Heritage Week 2026 Pop-Up Exhibiton: Conserving the Read's Collection

Monday 17, Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 August 2026
10am – 4pm
6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 E434

 RCPI has over 800 objects that came from the original House of Reads on Parliament Street. This Heritage Week we will be showcasing just some of these to the public in our pop-up exhibition. You can see first-hand the craftsmanship and extravagance that was Read's.

The Read’s Collection documents an important period of medical instrument production in Ireland and shows the changes in medical standards through the 19th and early 20th century. However, this collection is unique not only because it relates to medical history here in Ireland, but because it also speaks to the history of commerce in Dublin and the legacy of Read's Cutlery as Dublin's oldest shop.  While predominantly medical instruments, the collection also includes other objects, such as a selection of Read’s famous cutlery, personal items and luxury gifts, and the raw materials used in the production of the cutlery and medical instruments. 

This project is supported by the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026. 

This is a free, walk-in exhibition; No booking is required. Please note that we will not be open on Thursday 20 August 2026.