What Have We Achieved?

International awards

Manx National Heritage is one of the highest achieving heritage organisations in Europe.

Since 1992, Manx National Heritage has won the British Museum of the Year Award twice, the Interpret Britain Award, a Gulbenkian award, an International Ambassador award, and Tourist awards. Perhaps most significantly we have received a special award in the European Museum of the Year competition for an innovatory approach to providing a heritage service to the community. The European judging panel went as far as to say:

'Now and again one comes across an achievement which is truly revolutionary and which is capable of having great influence on developments elsewhere in Europe. ...and the Isle of Man has become an essential place to visit for anyone who wishes to see how to do the job better.’

This suggestion has been taken up by over fourteen different countries in Europe who have visited the 227 square mile museum concept individually and in groups with various energetic mixes of professionals and politicians.

The Manx National Heritage model for co-ordinated preservation, interpretation and promotion of heritage assets is now acting as a model in a number of other areas of Europe.

Conservation and community Partnership

A fundamental base for our strategy is the recognition by all Manx National Heritage staff that their work is central, not peripheral, to the Island’s social and economic well-being.

In the process of developing The Story of Mann concept, Manx National Heritage has conserved and reinterpreted the major monuments of Manx history and promoted an increased sense of pride within the community with regard to its own history.

This process has involved the conservation and interpretation of two medieval castles, a Cistercian abbey, a whole 19th century village and surrounding farmland, the creation of exciting new museum buildings and displays, and a highly developed interaction within the community. The Friends of Manx National Heritage is now the largest supporting group in the Island.

The extent of this community partnership of support was specifically noted by the judging panel for the British Museum of the Year Award, who commented:

‘A social and educational centre as well as a museum. An exceptional restaurant.....sound historical research is combined with an imaginative method of teaching it.....a splendid example of an intelligent approach to museums and tourism which is not bedevilled by party politics. All shades of political opinion appear to be totally committed to the Island’s museums and heritage policy and have had the good sense to make the necessary funds available to make it work. There is a moral here which many local authorities need to learn.’

Protection of the landscape

In order to ensure a proper level of co-ordinated protection for the natural and heritage assets of the Island, Manx National Heritage plays an important role in the planning of new developments. Every new Planning Application is scrutinised for its impact on the heritage and natural assets of the Island.

Occasionally, this involves the organisation in formal opposition to development proposals. In this way, a number of precious sites and buildings have been saved from destruction.

However, Manx National Heritage always adopts a positive approach to the conservation of heritage assets in the modern world and, as a result of this attitude, a number of developers have significantly modified their plans and become financial and practical supporters of our work. Such partnerships, forged through the avoidance of potential conflict, typify the strength and validity of the role of Manx National Heritage within the community.

International image

As well as providing a significant contribution towards long-term cultural and social stability within the Island, the work of Manx National Heritage supports an international image for the Isle of Man which is based upon the prestige of cultural pride.

This image depends upon an integrity and respect for the lasting qualities and values of the Manx heritage.