Shetland Museum & Archives
sits on the restored historic Hay's Dock in Lerwick, providing a gateway from which to explore Shetland's rich heritage and culture
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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. 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.
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***Coronavirus Update March 2020***
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 ...
ViewSeagull Engine Demonstrations
Brian Chapman has a fascinating collection of original Seagull engines in ...
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 ...
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 staff are doing to preserve and promote Shetland's heritage and culture.
James A Teit: Tackling racism in the late 1800's
In December 1883, Lerwick Man James Teit emigrated to Canada where he lived and worked with indigenous communities, listening and ...
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Captain Lawrence Irvine
Captain Lawrence Irvine of Bridge of Walls was one of the few Shetlanders to enter the West Indies Trade in the late 1700’s, a trade ...
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Crofthouse Museum
Head down to the delightful setting of Dunrossness and step back in time as you enter the traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse.
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