14th June 2026: IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Camera Obscura

Following storm damage to the timber boarding on the face of the structure of the Great Union Camera earlier this year and rot problems with part of the decking, repairs and  replacements are currently being carried out under the auspices of the government department responsible for the structure.We regret therefore as a consequence we are not permitted  to open  to the public until the work is complete and we are told the camera obscura is no longer classified as a building site. We hope this won’t be too long.

The Camera Obscura on Douglas Head  is operated at weekends during the summer season by volunteers and members of the Isle of Man Victorian Society.

When the flag is flying, the Camera Obscura is Open!

Open May to Mid-September - Saturdays 1pm - 4pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am – 4pm and subject to weather conditions.

We need your help! Duty periods are quite short (typically up to 3 hours) and the number of volunteers usually means that they may only need to spend two sessions per year on duty.

The Victorian Society is always keen to welcome new members and volunteers; training is free of course and the more volunteers available, the less frequent the duty. If you are interested PLEASE GET IN TOUCH! or call

The Camera Obscura is unique,  being the only one of its type in existence. Volunteers work in pairs and are well trained before operating the facility with an experienced colleague. The facility is owned by the Isle of Man Government Department of Local Government and the Environment.

For more information on other Camera Obscuras please see