Welcome to Shetland Museum and Archives

Our Five Star, award winning Museum and Archives is a multifunctional visitor attraction in the heart of Shetland's capital town of Lerwick. Begin your journey through the history of our beautiful islands here, with an enjoyable and interactive visitor experience discovering our world renowned collections. The Museum and Archives is managed by the Shetland Amenity Trust, a small charity caring for Shetland's natural and cultural heritage.

Fundraising for defibrillator
We are currently fundraising for an external defibrillator unit to be fitted at the Shetland Museum & Archives. Follow the link to find out more and to donate.

Visit Us / Book

Shetland Museum & Archives is open. Drop in and visit us, no booking is necessary.

Collections

Visitors and researchers can explore the fascinating story of Shetland’s heritage and culture in one place, with access to a wealth of documents and artefacts covering all aspects of the islands' past at Shetland Museum and Archives.

Education & Research

Shetland Museum and Archives offers a comprehensive education programme, with access to workshops focussing on different areas of our collections, and outreach sessions in the community.

Online Resources

Access document and photo archives online, or download a choice of teaching resources, or visitor activity sheets.

Community Heritage

Shetland’s heritage is researched, collected and exhibited throughout the islands by a network of local museums and heritage centres. Each museum and heritage centre in Shetland is unique, highlighting the various and changing aspects of natural and cultural heritage in each area.

Venue & Event Hire

Shetland Museum and Archives offers first class venue facilities for hire in a stunning dockside location. From conferences and meetings, to weddings or birthday parties, our versatile spaces are suitable for any event.

Visit Us / Book

Shetland Museum & Archives is open

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Photo Archive

Scotland's most extensive photo archive

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Gift Shop

Unique gifts and souvenirs with a heritage theme

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Collections

Explore the Archives and Museum Artefacts

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Crofthouse Museum

Step back in time as you enter the traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse.

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Events

Events and activities during your visit

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Events

Events and activities during your visit

Shetland Museum and Archives are proud to offer a range of events for adults, children and famlies, covering a variety of themes throughout the year. Our own events are detailed below, or see the 'What's On' Calendar for all public events and exhibition listings for the building.


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Shetland Museum Socials - drop-in

Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on ...

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Thursday Lates: Aboot da Nicht - Shetlandic and Nordic Folklore connected to Darkness and Sleep

Join Carol Christiansen to explore pre-modern beliefs in the vulnerability of ...

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Easter Activity Day

Join us for our Easter Activity Day! Suitable for peerie ones up to age 12.

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Soap Carving Workshop for Primary 4 - 7 (30 March & 11 April)

Join us at the Shetland Museum & Archives for a unique and creative workshop ...

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Exhibitions

Displays, Exhibitions and Gadderie Shows

There are a number of exhibition spaces and feature display areas throughout the Museum and Archives building. The artefacts and works on display change regularly and details of our current shows are listed here.


Current

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Polar North by Lesley Burr

An exhibition by Scottish contemporary artist Lesley Burr inspired during her ...

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Looking in from the Edge

An exhibition highlighting the part Shetland played in the trade of Northern ...

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Harriet's Portrait

As part of the BBC's 'Extraordinary Portraits', UK artist Stuart Pearson Wright ...

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On Top of the World

In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tanzing Norgay became the first humans to summit ...

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Latest Blog Posts

Keep up to date with new stories and details of what our researchers are doing to preserve and promote Shetland's heritage and culture.


Shining a light on Ann Harriet Pottinger this International Women's Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 we shine a light on Ann Harriet Pottinger, née Hunter, one of many unsung, hard-working ...

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New book of Shetland Fine Lace Knitting launched

A new publication, ‘Shetland Fine Lace Knitting – Recreating patterns from the past’ by Shetland Museum’s textiles curator, ...

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