Manchester

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Imperial War Museum North rated in the top ten of English buildings

Daniel Libeskind's eccentric attraction gets another architectural plaudit

The glorious (but slightly bonkers) architecture of our own Imperial War Museum has been named one of the top ten buildings in England of the last 100 years. The Daniel Libeskind designed show-stopper has pulled in the plaudits since it opened almost six years ago, from the European Museum of the Year Awards in 2004 (where it came second) to a finalist in the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.

It’s little wonder: the building was designed around Libeskind’s concept of a globe shattered by war. The three interlocking shards of the Museum represent a world broken into three by conflict on land, water and in the air. The 55 metre-high Air Shard houses a viewing platform that’s open to the elements but which gives views out across the Manchester Ship Canal, while the shimmering aluminium exterior protects a building that defies architectural norms. Inside, floors curve and there’s not a right angle in sight.

It’s a disorientating experience and yet the Museum remains one of the most welcoming visitor attractions Manchester (and some might say the UK) has to offer. This award – handed out by the Rough Guide – puts Imperial War Museum North on a list of outstanding architectural wonders that includes Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, 30 St Mary Axe (AKA The Gherkin), The Sage in Gateshead and Tate Modern.
Imperial War Museum North The Quays, Trafford Wharf, M17 1TZ (836 4000/north.iwm.org.uk). 10am-5pm daily; free.

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