Tynwald and Cultural Exhibition Centre

About the museum

The centre stands in Fairfield House on the main road at St John’s, directly opposite Tynwald Hill, the four-tiered mound where the Isle of Man’s parliament has met in the open air for centuries. It is run by Culture Vannin, the Manx Heritage Foundation, which supports Manx language, music and culture.

The exhibition explains how Tynwald works and how the ceremony on Tynwald Day is held, and it looks at similar assembly places, known as thing sites, in other parts of the world. A large Lego model of Tynwald Day is a favourite with younger visitors, who can add to it. Other displays cover old photographs of St John’s and the customs of the Manx calendar.

A separate room is devoted to the Manx language and music, with a mural by the Manx artist Adam Berry, short films and books to read.

Highlights

• Exhibition on how Tynwald works and the Tynwald Day ceremony
• Lego model of Tynwald Day that children can add to
• Language and music room with a mural by Adam Berry
• “Thing sites” around the world
• Old photographs of St John’s and Manx calendar customs

Permanent exhibitions

• Tynwald and Manx culture exhibition – Small exhibitions on how Tynwald works, thing sites around the world, calendar customs and old photographs of St John’s, with a Lego model of Tynwald Day.
• Language and music room – A room for Manx language and music with a mural by Adam Berry, short films and books to read.

Operated by

Culture Vannin

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; donations to Culture Vannin are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A Visit Isle of Man listing describes step-free access to all areas, accessible toilets and guide dogs welcome; Culture Vannin’s own page gives no access details and asks visitors with special requests to get in touch before visiting.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children can colour in, dress up and add to the Lego model of Tynwald Day.

Getting there & parking

The centre is opposite Tynwald Hill on the main road between Douglas and Peel. A hand-drawn map of St John’s and Tynwald can be downloaded from the website.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

A small gift shop sells books and CDs on Manx history, language and music. Toilets and Wi-Fi are listed by Visit Isle of Man.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit