Manx Museum

This is a comprehensive attraction with entry by discretional donation. Let's face it all 'free' entry local heritage sites deserve a descent donation to help their costs especially in 2026 ! A warm welcome received on entry and a clear explanation of layout and recommended route round the site. This site includes a dedicated floor for the Isle of Man TT race heritage collection. Well worth the trip downstairs or by lift. The site is accessible. History and heritage, natural history and geological information gives a very rounded explanation of how the island was formed and inhabited over millennia. The timespan goes from creation to the present day. This is well worth the visit and it's recommended for walking entry to take the lift up to the multi story parking below the museum. There is limited car parking access near the entrance

A five star experience in a lovely city. We are from Australia and have family heritage from the Isle of Man. John who greeted us was excellent and provided a fact sheet for local historical societies and family history organisations, and also the times they can be accessed. The museum itself and the introductory movie really give you an understanding of the Isle of Man and it's history. The museum had an excellent exhibition of Archibald Knox and his jewellery and his history and contribution to society. The rest of the museum provides the history and contribution of the people from here and their unique lifestyle. The gift shop is very reasonably priced and the museum is disabled friendly with very helpful staff.A must see, free to enter and I would recommend leaving a donation if you can to ensure it is free and accessible.

Free entry. But if you choose not to pay you are encouraged to buy the catalogue for £5 or spend in the souvenir shop. When I visited I thought it was for half and hour but ended up being more than two hours. Plus I will need to go back. This is because the museum traces the Isle of Man's history from 4000BC hunters and gatherers through to bronze and iron ages, Celt arrival, Vikings, Romans and transition to British crown. Far more information than expected. Plus there is a family history and local history annex library and an art gallery including local celtic-inspired pieces. Then go downstairs for the TT motorcycle racing museum. Also a souvenir shop. Although no cafe unfortunately which is precisely what most visitors will want after walking around and getting lost. Well I did anyhow. But not to be.

Great museum. If you have a few hours to spend, this is the place. It will give you an idea about local history. Entrance is free.

Brilliant place thoroughly exhibiting the history of The Isle of Man from before its existence to the present day. All that's missing are models of Douglas from the neolithic to the Victorian age. There was also a fantastic exhibition about Archibald Knox, who I knew nothing about – a Manx Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and a gallery of art by IoM artists.

Wonderful museum full of all things of interest regarding the history and prehistory of the IOM. Lots to see and very well presented with information available pretty much everything on display. Parking nearby at the multi storey carpark and access via pedestrian bridge. Free entry. Highly recommended.

Was passing by and headed into the Archibald Knox exhibition and beyond. Lovely stuff all round and a friendly greeting to boot.

This is the perfect place to start your journey on the Isle of Man. It offers a (very!)comprehensive look at the history of the island from the ancient natural world of the Irish Elk through Vikings to the 20th century. There is a lot to see (we ended up returning as we ran out of time!) and take in so make sure you leave enough time! It is on several floors however there is lift access and two entrances as well. There's a video you can watch too which is a little older but very good indeed! Don't miss the section on the TT Races on the ground floor either as it's fascinating (especially the early races!). The section on the Isle of Man at war was excellent too- very interesting artifacts and nicely curated. The upper level has a great art section too, some really lovely artwork. Staff were very friendly in the shop. The museum is free to enter however they do ask for donations. There isn't a cafe here any more but they do have a great shop with a good selection of gifts!