Shetland Museum & Archives

Hay’s Dock by the Dowry now open

Food and drink is back on the menu at Shetland Museum and Archives, with the much-anticipated opening of ‘Hay’s Dock by the Dowry’.

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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.

Please view the Scottish Government's guidance on Scottish travel prior to visiting.

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. For those intending to visit the Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness please book in advance. We look forward to welcoming you back.

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.

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.

Family Friendly Storytime and Workshop with Morag Hood

19/05/2022
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Shetland Museum and Archives

Join author Morag Hood for a free family friendly storytime & workshop. This ...

Visualising Shetland's Iron Age: TALKS

26/05/2022
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Shetland Museum Auditorium

Recent Research at Mousa, Scatness and Jarlshof: A series of short talks from ...

Virtually Visiting Shetland's Archaeology: DROP IN DEMONSTRATIONS

27/05/2022
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Shetland Museum Auditorium

Come and try our new iBook. Drop in from 12 noon - 5.00pm on Friday. Dr Li Sou ...

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.