Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you.
Up Helly Aa 2026 at the Shetland Museum
Join us as we celebrate Up Helly Aa 2026 with extended opening times, Viking tours, a food and drink event, Jarl Squad visit and a Peerie Vikings craft session for the bairns.
Extended opening times:
Sunday 25th January: 11am - 5pm
Monday 26th January: 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 27th January: 10am - 5pm (closed from 2.30pm - 5pm for non ticket-holders)
Wednesday 28th January: 10am - 5pm
Paul Bloomer exhibition now open
EXTENDED UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY 2026
We are proud to announce the opening of Flight, a major retrospective exhibition by Paul Bloomer, celebrating 25 years of work inspired by Shetland. The exhibition will run until 4 January 2026, presenting a powerful body of paintings, etchings, prints and drawings that capture Shetland’s wild skies, shifting seascapes and dramatic landscapes.
Exhibition opening in pictures
Opening on Sunday - New exhibition celebrates gifted craftsman, Bobby Simpson
A special exhibition celebrating the life and crafting skills of Robert Gilbert Blance Simpson (1928 – 1974) opens at Shetland Museum and Archives this Sunday, perfectly timed to coincide with the Up Helly Aa season.
Read moreWelcome 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.
Visit Us
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.
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
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.
ViewOrigins of Up Helly Aa Tours
The origins of Up Helly Aa might come as a surprise to those who don’t know ...
ViewShetland Museum Socials - drop-in
Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on ...
ViewPre-school Activity Mornings
Bring your little explorers to the Shetland Museum & Archives for our ...
ViewTaste of Shetland at Up Helly Aa
Join Taste of Shetland for amazing cooking demonstrations the Sunday before ...
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
View'Flight' by Paul Bloomer
'Flight' charts Paul Bloomer's artistic journey from industrial roots to ...
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.
New exhibition celebrates gifted Shetland craftsman, Bobby Simpson
A special exhibition celebrating the life and crafting skills of Robert Gilbert Blance Simpson (1928 – 1974) opens at Shetland ...
Read more
Up Helly Aa 2026 - what's on at the Shetland Museum
Join us at the Shetland Museum & Archives as we celebrate Up Helly Aa 2026 with extended opening times, Origins of UHA tours, a food ...
Read more
Support Us
Shetland Museum and Archives is managed by Shetland Amenity Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to safeguarding, enhancing, and promoting Shetland's heritage. Our mission is to ensure that Shetland’s history and culture remain accessible for everyone to enjoy - now and for generations to come.
Your generosity plays a vital role in making this possible. Donations directly support the care, preservation, and display of our collections, artefacts, and archives and help us to continue to share Shetland’s story with our community and visitors.
Every gift makes a difference. Thank you.
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