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Description: | Using state-of-the-art display techniques, the House of Manannan explores the Celtic, Viking and Maritime traditions of the Isle of Man. This exploration of themes essential to Manx nationhood was declared British Museum of the Year and given an award by the Society for the Interpretation of Britain������s Heritage for the Interpretation of Britain������s Heritage. Sitting by the harbour in the City of Peel, the award-winning building draws upon Manx vernacular architecture and looks across to the stronghold of Peel Castle.
Manannan is the Island������s great mythological sea god and protector who could shroud the place with a cloak of mist to protect it from its enemies. As a shapeshifter, Manannan could appear in many guises and in his ������House������ he himself acts as the visitor������s guide sometimes a god, sometimes a sailor, sometimes in other forms.
The story begins with the pagan Celts who built great roundhouses and responded to the Christian missionaries who fished the Irish Sea for souls. The Christian Celtic Island was threatened by the force of the pagan Viking incomers who settled, married into the local families and converted to Christianity themselves.
Throughout its history the Island has sat like a roundabout in the middle of the Irish Sea and was the heart of the medieval Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. The Island and the Manx people play a fascinating part in maritime history with ships and sailors travelling all over the world. For such a community, the sea is an important partner in many activities be it fishing, travelling or even smuggling and shipping companies act as one of the Island������s lifeline links with the neighbouring islands.
The House of Manannan explores and presents the dramatic story of the Island������s history. It brings to life themes which are both ancient and modern, and encourages the visitor to go out and explore the richness of the Manx landscape in all its wealth of history. | Source: | MLA Institutions Server | Address: | Peel,Isle of Man | Sector: | Museums | Type: | Local/Regional government | Jurisdiction: | Isle of Man Government | Telephone: | +44(0)1624 648090 | Identifier: | 47972 |
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