Chester Beatty’s legacy to the Irish people is hailed as “one of the greatest acts of altruism in the cultural history of the State.” (President Michael D. Higgins)

As a registered charity, Chester Beatty relies on the support of individuals. By leaving a gift in your Will, your legacy will help protect, conserve and promote the collections, produce world renowned exhibitions and promote learning and research around the collections.

Once you have made provision for your family and loved ones, we ask that you consider a gift to the Chester Beatty.

A gift in your Will—no matter how small or large—will make a real difference to our work and mission.

Fionnuala Croke, Director

The Chester Beatty is extremely grateful to its generous supporters who have had the foresight to leave a legacy, and who, in so doing, have made a lasting impact by helping the museum.

There are many ways in which your legacy donation can help; we are happy to show you some examples and discuss how a gift in your Will can have a lasting impact on the Chester Beatty.

Examples of the impact of legacy giving:

Acquisitions            Educational programmes            Scholarly Research

Exhibitions              Conservation Initiatives               Unrestricted bequests

Should you have any questions or require guidance, please get in touch by emailing legacy@cbl.ie or calling +353-1-4070762

For American Residents:
The Chester Beatty is a member of the American Friends of the Arts in Ireland (AFAI) which is a 501(c)(3) public charity in the USA with EIN No #27-3373171. If you are an American resident and would like to make a tax-effective gift to the Chester Beatty, please contact legacy@cbl.ie or calling +353-1-4070762.

What kind of Gift?

When it comes to deciding on your Will, many people, after they have provided for their family and friends, also choose to leave a gift to a cause close to their hearts. Leaving a legacy to the museum will not cost you anything in your lifetime but your generosity will have a transformative impact on the Chester Beatty and its role as the pre-eminent centre for intercultural learning and dialogue well into the future.

The type and amount of your legacy gift is entirely up to you. Legacy gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated and have a powerful and positive impact on our work.

There are three ways you can support the Chester Beatty in your Will:

1. Pecuniary Legacy: a legacy gift of a fixed sum of money.

2. Specific Legacy: a particular item of value can be bequeathed. This can include stocks and shares, proceeds of a life insurance policy, property, furniture or jewellery.

3. Residuary Legacy: the whole or a percentage of your estate after providing for your loved ones and covering administrative expenses.

Legacies to charities are tax free so leaving a gift to the Chester Beatty can help reduce the tax payable on your estate.

Suggested wording for a gift in your Will

“I give to The Chester Beatty Library, Clock Tower Building, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 AD92, Registered Charity no. CHY 5879

a. The sum of (amount in figures and in words) or

b. (a specific item) or all my property known as (name of property) and situated at (location of property)

c. All (or a share of) the residue of my estate

And I direct that (i) my bequest be applied by the Chester Beatty Library for its charitable purposes and (ii) receipt of any Trustee of the Chester Beatty Library for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors.”

All you need is your solicitor to check the final wording.

Suggested wording for a codicil:

If you have already made your Will and decide that you would like to add a gift to the Chester Beatty, the following wording for a codicil may be helpful when you visit your legal advisor:

“I (name) of (address) declare this to be my first codicil to my last Will dated (date). I give (details of legacy) to the Chester Beatty Library, Clock Tower Building, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 AD92, Registered Charity no. CHY 5879, for its general charitable purposes and I direct that a Trustee or duly authorised officer shall be valid and appropriate form of discharge. In all other respects I confirm my Will.”

We understand that making a decision about your Will is a private and personal matter, made after careful consideration. That’s why we do not ask you to declare your intentions. However, we are always delighted to hear from you, so we can say thank you. This also allows us to plan for the future.

Gifts to the Chester Beatty are acknowledged in the most appropriate manner in accordance with your wishes. They can also be made in memory of a loved one.