Manchester

Imperial War Museum North

The Quays, Trafford Wharf

Closely competing with Urbis for the title of most striking new building from the past decade, the brain-boggling design of the Imperial War Museum was based on renowned architect Daniel Libeskind’s concept of a shattered globe (representing the world divided by conflict). Inside, the floors and doors gently slope and disorientate. More a museum of peace than a museum of war, the place works hard – and mainly succeeds – at being an entertaining and educative multimedia-led venue. Its permanent displays – which include artillery, audio-visual shows and hands-on, interactive exhibits such as The Trench – are supplemented by temporary exhibitions, like the photographic exhibition to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War (31 Mar-22 July 2007). The tower has an impressive view, but should be avoided by the vertiginous.

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