Shetland Museum & Archives
B O O K I N G ESSENTIAL - see the Visit Us / B o o k section for details
A peerie hansel fae hame
The Shetland Community would like to express its support by sending a peerie hansel (gift) from home to the estimated 400 students away from home during the pandemic. Can you help?
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to Shetland Museum and Archives
WE ARE OPEN!
Find out more and book your free visit now.
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. It is free to visit the Museum and Archives and donations are welcomed to help the Trust care for the collections and our heritage both now and in the future.
Visit Us / B o o k
We are now open to booked groups only - we look forward to welcoming you to the Shetland Museum and Archives.
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 activitity 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.
ViewMuseum Maritime Scavenger Hunt
There’s much excitement at Shetland Museum! A number of sea creatures have ...
ViewLaura Kay Boat Trip
The Laura Kay is Shetland Museum and Archives modern built, traditional haddock ...
ViewRope Making at Hay's Dock
Do you know how traditional rope was made? Come down to Hay’s Dock to see an ...
ViewSeagull Engine Demonstrations
Brian Chapman has a fascinating collection of original Seagull engines in ...
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
Sorry there are no current exhibitions.
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.
Appeal: A Peerie Hansel Fae Hame
The Shetland Community would like to express its support by sending a peerie hansel (gift) from home to the estimated 400 students ...
Read more
VJ Day in Shetland
VJ Day (Victory Over Japan) has never been as important a celebration as VE Day, but for some people in Shetland it was a very ...
Read moreA peerie hansel fae hame
Visitors to the Shetland Museum and Archives now need to book in advance before visiting.
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