Built in 1892, the Great Union Camera Obscura is unlike most others in the world, featuring an impressive eleven lenses. While many camera obscuras were originally designed for scientific or astronomical purposes, this one was created purely as an attraction for the growing Manx tourism industry.
Inside, a clever arrangement of mirrors and lenses positioned around the roof captures views from outside and projects them into a darkened room below. The images appear on a circular viewing table, divided into eleven sections, creating a fascinating series of moving, colourful pictures showing a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding area, including Douglas Harbour, the lighthouse and the distant horizon.
Opening and viewing conditions can be affected by the weather, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for the flag — when the flag is flying, the Great Union Camera Obscura is open!
Admission is £3 for adults. Children under 12 are free. Card and Cash payments accepted.