Manx Museum

The Manx Museum (Thie Tashtee Vannin) in Douglas, Isle of Man is the national museum of the Isle of Man. Situated in the heart of Douglas, it is bursting with artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man. Highlights include some of the finest Viking Treasures in the British Isles, temporary exhibitions, and spectacular galleries including a new Isle of Man TT Gallery. The museum is open daily from 9.30am until 4.30pm. It is operated by Manx National Heritage, an Isle of Man registered charity which looks after the Isle of Man's most cherished places and spaces, including historic buildings, landscapes, archives and museum collections. Donate to the charity here.

History
The Manx Museum’s collections have grown over 100 years and reflect 10,000 years of the Isle of Man’s cultural heritage. They reveal stories about the island nation and provide a constant source of inspiration and pride for each new generation.

But if we look back some 150 years things were very different. It is hard to believe now, but there was a time when some Manx people felt their own history was so insignificant that the idea of a national museum was mocked? Surely, they said, there could be nothing of cultural significance to fill even one small room?”

A ‘tenacious band of patriots’ determined to research and protect the heritage of the Isle of Man, led by scholar Philip Moore Callow Kermode recognised the need was urgent. Farmers were using the Island’s medieval stone cross-slabs to fill gaps in hedges and builders sent a Viking treasure hoard to the tip. Manx cultural assets were sitting in British national museums.

These scholars devoted themselves to rescuing and explaining the Island’s heritage. Their work uncovered such astounding artefacts that people started to take notice. An Act of Tynwald established the Museum & Ancient Monuments Trustees in 1886.

The Trustees mission was to preserve the Isle of Man’s cultural heritage and to build a national museum. Gathering a collection of significant artefacts proved straight forward enough, but finding a permanent home for the collection was a 30-year struggle. Philip Kermode again led the charge and on 2 November 1922 the Manx Museum was finally opened, in the former Noble’s Hospital building, which was gifted to the Manx Museum & Ancient Monument Trustees by the Henry Bloom Noble Charitable Trustees.

The Manx Museum was officially opened on 2 November 1922 by Lieutenant Governor Fry in the former Nobles Hospital. In his opening speech he remarked “One hour spent in a museum will be worth, many hours spent in a book.”

Their dream had been realised; the people of the Isle of Man had their treasure house – The Manx Museum, Thie Tashtee Vannin.

Galleries and Exhibitions
National Art Gallery

Temporary Exhibition Gallery

Cabinet of Curiosity

Medieval Gallery

Viking Gallery featuring Viking Treasure Hoards

Social History Galleries

Mann at War Gallery

Isle of Man TT Gallery

National Library and Archives (open Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm)

Facilities
Shop - for a special keepsake from your visit, or to purchase gifts to take home, there is a well-stocked gift shop within the Museum.

Event spaces including Lecture Theatre and Seminar Rooms, available to hire.

Car park with disabled parking spaces available. Additional parking available nearby in Chester Street Car Park.

Toilet Facilities

Fully equipped Changing Places Toilet

Museum Galleries

Library and Archive (open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am until 4.30pm

Cafe (please note the cafe is temporarily closed)