The abbey is located two miles (three kilometres) from Castle Rushen, the politically most important site on the island in medieval times.

In 1853 the Isle of Man Government bought Rushen Abbey with the intention of turning it into a lunatic asylum, but it was never used for such a purpose, and in 1864 an Act was passed revoking the sale.

[2] In the early 1900s, the abbey ruins became a popular tourist destination, famous for the strawberries and cream served in its gardens.

After falling into disrepair after World War II, the abbey was acquired by Manx National Heritage in May 1998, and restorations have now been made.

At the end of the exhibition, there is an area designed for children, allowing them to build an arch and discover the monastery's history in a way that is more appealing to them.