Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you.
Summer Holiday Activities
Join us this summer for family-friendly events and workshops, with free drop-in activities and bookable sessions for all ages.
Pictish Prints Workshop (BOOK)
Wed 15 July | P4-7 | 2.30pm - 4pm
Mural Day - My Museum
Wednesday 22 July | 10am - 1pm
Build a Broch (BOOK)
Thursday 23 July | P4-7 | 2.30pm - 4pm
Build a Broch (BOOK)
Wed 29 July | P1-4 | 10.30am - 12noon
Photography Family Fun Day
Friday 31 July | 10am - 2pm
Pictish Prints Workshop (BOOK)
Wed 5 August | P1-4 | 10.30am - 12noon
Mural Day - Crofting
Wednesday 12 August | 10am - 1pm
Crofthouse Museum, Dunrossness
Family Fun Day
Friday 14 August | 10am - 2pm
The Crooked Finger - folklore and storytelling evenings
Experience Shetland folklore, singing and storytelling - brought to life in this theatrical performance.
Jess is worried. She’s worried that the "Grey Neighbours" will come and steal her new baby cousin away, leaving a trow baby in its place. Luckily, Granny knows exactly what to do…
Meanwhile, the family while away the night telling traditional stories and singing songs against a spirited soundscape of Shetland music.
Compiled and directed by Izzy Swanson. Performed by members of Open Door Drama in collaboration with the Ronas Drama Group.
DATES
Thursday 16 July | 7-8pm
Thursday 13 August | 7-8pm
Thursday 17 September | 7-8pm
Opening soon: 'A Time To Keep' J.D. Rattar - 150 Years of Photography in Shetland
John David “Jack” Rattar, born in Fethaland, Northmavine, captured the life of Shetland through his photography. From landscapes and harbours to wildlife, crofting, and traditional crafts, his images offer a vivid record of the islands in the early 20th century.
Rattar’s work not only documented daily life but became a cornerstone of Shetland’s visual heritage. This exhibition marks 150 years since his birth and celebrates his life as well as his enduring contribution to Shetland culture.
Opens 18 July - 11 October
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.
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.
Find Out More
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.
ViewMuseum Highlights Tour
Make the most of your visit with us and join us on a tour to ensure you see the ...
ViewShetland Museum Socials - drop-in
Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on ...
ViewNight by Da Fire at the Shetland Crofthouse Museum
Step back in time as you enter a traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse ...
ViewPictish Prints (P4-7)
Be inspired by Pictish symbols and create colourful artwork by carving and ...
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
ViewThe Rhoda Bulter Award Exhibition
The Rhoda Bulter Award celebrates writing in the Shetland dialect and honours ...
ViewRSA 200 | Shetland Connections
The ‘Shetland Connections’ exhibition at Shetland Museum and Archives ...
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.
Summer Holiday Activities
Join us this summer for family-friendly events and workshops, with free drop-in activities and bookable sessions for all ages.
Read more
Shetland archivist Brian Smith awarded honorary doctorate by University of Edinburgh
We are delighted to congratulate Shetland archivist Brian Smith, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of ...
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.
Find Out More
Join our mailing list
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