Manx National Heritage and Culture Vannin are proud to announce the opening of ’Mind Your Language’, a new exhibition celebrating the Manx language, at the Manx Museum from 25 April 2026 until 4 October 2026.
Launching as part of Blein ny Gaelgey – Year of the Manx Language, this exhibition invites both local audiences and visitors to discover the richness, history and contemporary relevance of Gaelg Manx. Whether encountering the language for the first time or reconnecting with familiar words and phrases, visitors will be encouraged to explore, learn and enjoy the Manx language and contemporary culture, and its roots.
Nicola Tooms, Assistant Curator for Manx National Heritage said:
”Mind Your Language has been designed to be fun, welcoming and interactive, breaking down barriers for those who may feel that learning a language is inaccessible, but perhaps don’t realise how much Manx they already know!
Through a mix of storytelling, objects, sound and hands-on activities, visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of Manx as a living part of the Isle of Man’s identity”.
Ruth Keggin Gell, Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin said:
“It has been wonderful to work with Manx National Heritage to bring Manx to a wider audience, from those who live on the Island, to those who are visiting our shores. I’m particularly excited that the exhibition is fully bilingual, and that visitors will be able to experience seeing and hearing Manx in a variety of ways. Culture Vannin champions living Manx culture, and as part of our commitment to Blein ny Gaelgey – the Year of the Manx Language – we have been delighted to work with creatives to contribute beautiful new pieces to display at the exhibition”.
Visitors will discover how Manx originates from Old Irish and dates to the 5th century, and how it was spoken by the majority of the Island’s population until relatively recently. The exhibition highlights how the language is embedded in the Isle of Man’s landscape, culture and everyday life, particularly through place names that remain in common use today.
Organised around four themes, What is Manx?, Manx and Nature, Manx and People, and Manx and Place, the exhibition brings together historical artefacts, artworks and audio-visual experiences. Highlights include a cast of an ogham stone, poetic interpretations of the language, historic objects such as the Ballamoore Sundial, official proclamations, and displays exploring the meaning behind familiar place names such as Balla, Mooar, Cronk and Beg.
Interactive elements will encourage visitors to engage directly with the language, including matching games, place-name challenges and opportunities to share favourite Manx words. A sound station and video installations will immerse audiences in spoken Manx, music and storytelling, evoking the soundscape of the Island’s past and present.
The exhibition aims to leave visitors with a sense of enjoyment and discovery, finding the beauty of Manx in nature, poetry and place, and fostering a positive connection with the language.
’Mind Your Language’ opens on 25 April 2026 at the Manx Museum. Admission is free, with donations welcome. For more information, visit manxnationalheritage.im.
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