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About
By focusing on people rather than events the museum has an unusually intimate and often moving atmosphere. You can discover the amazing story of civil and military aviation in the Isle of Man and also find out about the Island and its people both at home and in the armed forces in wartime. Often likened to Dr Who's "Tardis", and packed full of exhibits ranging from a single button to a full-size aeroplane, the museum has something of interest for everybody.
A wide range of exhibits relating the military and aviation history of the Isle of Man and people who served in the Armed Forces both on and off island. Exhibits include a British Aerospace ATP and an Embraer Bandeirante passenger aircraft, the story of the Manx Regiment, the stories and relics of aircraft accidents, a rare self-propelled Bofors gun, and rare and unique items recovered from the Irish Sea. The cockpit and nose section of a Second World War Bristol Bolingbroke bomber can be closely inspected, showing the cramped conditions which airmen had to endure. There is also a garden including memorials to the Canadian and Polish Servicemen who were killed on the island in aircraft accidents during the Second World War.
A section of the museum is dedicated to the Manx Regiment which was the most successful Allied anti-aircraft unit of World War Two. The regiment saw action in England during the Battle of Britain and later in Africa, Italy and Europe.
Watch aircraft passing close by whilst sitting in the sheltered and colourful memorial garden or the picnic area and visit the shop for gifts, books and model kits.
The World War I gallery tells the stories of Manx people who left their homes to go and fight, some never returning. The exhibition contains many artefacts and mementos from this time period, from medals, commemorative tins issued to the servicemen from Princess Mary and postcards sent to and from the men serving at the war front. These personal artefacts and the stories are both very moving and also inspiring; the Museum hopes to do these servicemen justice by telling the real stories of their time at war.
Guide Prices
Entry is free. The museum is a charity, run by volunteers, and receives no official funding so donations are welcomed to help cover the operating costs and to help in maintaining the exhibits and the development of new exhibitions and facilities.
Facilities
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Disabled Accessibility - Level/ramped access is available throughout.
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp / Level Access
Catering
- Picnic Site - Picnic tables with benches in the museum grounds with good views of activity on the airport. Garden area with seating.
Leisure Facilities
- Shop
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking available
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Payment Methods
- Accepts major credit and debit cards
- Cheques accepted
- Groups Accepted
- Max group size - 50
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times - For contact details see above or the website.
- Visa accepted
Provider Facilities
- Accept coach parties - A large area is available for coach parking.
- Dog Friendly
- Dogs Accepted - Dogs are permitted within the museum provided that they do not cause alarm to other visitors.
- Group Friendly
- Toilets - Level access to male and female facilities but, at present, no dedicated disabled facilities.
- TT & Biker Friendly
Provider Features
- Indoor Attraction - The majority of displays are indoors but there are a number of larger objects outside.
- Smoking Some Areas - Smoking is permitted in the museum grounds.
Target Markets
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted - Available by pre-booking
- Guided Tours Available for Groups - Available by pre-booking.
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals - Available by pre-booking.
