Regarded
as the most
distinguished 18th century building
in Limerick, the Customs House is an elegant Palladian-style building
designed by the Italian architect, Davis Ducart, in 1765. It was the
administrative centre for the Revenue Commissioners (including Customs and Excise) in Limerick and it was also the home of
the Collector. In the 1840s with the introduction of a new postal
system a Penny Post Office was opened in the Customs House.
The Office of Public Works undertook the major restoration and refurbishment
of the building completing it in 1996 and so realised the dream of John
and Gertrude Hunt to have their collection housed in Limerick. The
Customs House opened as The Hunt Museum on 14 February 1997.
|