Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Shetland Museum Socials
Wednesday 11 September | 2pm - 3.30pm
This week's theme is Crofting
Come along to our informal sessions, they are free to attend and open to all. We will explore a new heritage theme each week.
Join us for a cuppa, a yarn and learn something new!
Our Shetland Museum Socials are run in partnership with Alzheimers Scotland.
Final week of Twenty Shades of Blue - Shetland's weather by Sam Davies
Sam Davies explores through oils on canvas the weather’s effect on the sea, land and inhabitants showing that even when it’s at its worst, or even because of it, Shetland is fantastic!
Exhibition ends 5pm this Saturday 14th September 2024
Find out more
Crofthouse Museum
The Shetland Crofthouse Museum is open for the 2024 season.
Open daily from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.
No booking necessary
Head down to the delightful setting of Dunrossness and step back in time as you enter the traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse.
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.
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
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.
ViewShetland Museum Socials - drop-in
Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on ...
ViewTour: Shetland's Textile Treasures
Running every Thursday afternoon. Hear the story of Shetland’s famous textile ...
ViewTour: The History of Hay's Dock
Running every Saturday afternoon. Learn all about the area surrounding Shetland ...
ViewTour: Highlights of Shetland Museum
Running every Monday afternoon. A potted history of Shetland in the 19th ...
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
ViewLynne McPeake – Shetland. August 1971
In August 1971, Lynne McPeake travelled from Manchester to Lerwick for a diving ...
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.
Shetland Museum unveils Twenty Shades of Blue in new art exhibition inspired by Shetland’s Seascapes
Shetland Museum is delighted to announce the opening of an inspiring new exhibition, Twenty Shades of Blue, in the Gadderie space this ...
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New photographic exhibition capturing 1970s social history
A new photographic exhibition opens today at Shetland Museum and Archives which provides a glimpse into an aspect of Shetland’s ...
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Crofthouse Museum
The Shetland Crofthouse Museum is now open for the 2024 summer season. Open daily from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.
Find Out More