The Manx Museum

In the latter half of the 19th century, Governor Loch’s appointment of an Archaeological Commission and the foundation of the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society did much to galvanise public support for the concept of preserving the Island’s heritage. In 1886 the Museum and Ancient Monuments Trustees were established by Act of Tynwald.

In The Beginning

By coincidence, the building which houses the original Manx Museum was erected that same year but not until 1922, when the Henry Bloom Noble Trustees decided they needed to move the hospital to larger premises, was the building handed over as a first permanent home for the Manx Museum.

The first Curator, from 1922 to 1932, was P.M.C. Kermode, who had already spent a lifetime in antiquarian research in the Island and had been Secretary to the Manx Museum and Ancient Monuments Trustees since 1905. He enthusiastically set about bringing together the collections from the temporary museum in Castle Rushen, those stored at Peel, Government Office and several other locations together with the Antiquarian Society’s collections in Ramsey. In addition Kermode established an initial collection of local prints and pictures including the Baume bequest of works by the distinguished Manx artist J.M. Nicholson. Before his death in 1932 Kermode laid the foundations of the academic standards on which his successors have built.

At the 1922 opening ceremony the then Lieutenant Governor, Sir William Fry, said prophetically:

"Some may think this Museum rather small. All museums must have small beginnings, but there is no reason why this Museum should not grow. We have the ground for extension, and already plans are in view whereby it may be enlarged...It has always been in the minds of the Trustees that this should be an educational centre for the Island..."

The New Manx Museum

With the celebration of their centenary in 1986, the Trustees revealed plans for an ambitious programme of development including a major new £1.3 million extension scheme which would greatly enlarge the facilities on offer to the public.

The following two years saw the opening of a new Prehistoric Archaeology Gallery which won the ‘Museum of the Year’ award as the best new Archaeology Gallery in the British Isles, and a very successful temporary exhibition gallery, forming part of a phased redesign of all the Museum’s major galleries

The new extension to the Manx Museum in Douglas had a royal opening in 1989 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann. The new building houses a lecture/film theatre with seating for over 200 people. From here the new National Art Gallery and dramatic Map Gallery link through into the redesigned galleries of the original building. Also accommodated are the Manx National Heritage Educational Services unit, a fully equipped conference area and a modern technical services area for the organisation’s hard-working technical team.

Today, this ‘Treasure House of Mann’ is the National Museum of the Island and headquarters of the Trust’s Island-wide services. Now the ability and skill of Manx National Heritage in co-ordinating all the Island’s heritage assets, together with greatly improved facilities and services, enables the Trust to effect a complete interpretative and marketing strategy for Manx heritage.

'The Story Of Mann' Introduction

‘The Story of Mann’ begins in the new lecture/film theatre with a specially produced documentary film portraying the major events in Manx history. As well as presenting a new introduction to the Manx Museum in Douglas, the new facilities are designed to provide an exciting starting point to explore the riches of our unique Manx heritage throughout the Island. The fine series of gallery displays completes the stimulating and memorable Manx Museum experience, providing a strong incentive for the visitor to discover ‘The Story of Mann’ by exploring one of the richest historical landscapes in Europe.

Visitor Facilities

The high quality Heritage Shop has an extensive range of products connected with Manx history and the work of Manx National Heritage. Visitors will also find traditional Manx recipes to their taste in the fine Bay Room Restaurant.

Please see the Visitor Information page for details of opening hours and admission charges where applicable