Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you back.
October Holiday Workshops
Join us at the Shetland Museum this October holidays for our family fun day and bairns workshops.
* Wed 16 - Family Fun Day from 10am - 2pm
* Fri 18 - Trowie Faase Faces (P1-4) & (P5-7)
* Tues 22 - Sp'OO'ky Ghosts (P1-4)
* Tues 22 - Halloween Wirsit Garland (P5-7)
Drop in any day throughout the holidays and pick up one of our Spooky Museum Trails, explore the galleries and look out for creepie craalies along the way.
Book your tickets
ALLOVER | Chris Morphet Exhibition
An exhibition that captures the spirit of pre-oil Shetland through Fair Isle knitwear photography.
Featuring the iconic photographs of Chris Morphet taken during his visit to Shetland in June 1970.
Running until 29 December 2024 in Da Gadderie
Photo by Chris Morphet/Redferns/Getty Images.
Find out more...
TALK: To the End of the Days of Sail by Laughton Johnston
Tuesday, 8th October 2024
7pm - 8.30pm
Join Laughton Johnston as he shares stories and adventures from his new book ‘To the End of the Days of Sail’ where he tells us of Shetland seamen, including his grandfather, who left the isles for a life at sea during the 19th century.
Tickets £5 - Book nowWelcome 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.
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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.
ViewTo the End of the Days of Sail: A talk by Laughton Johnston
During the age of sail, thousands of Shetland seaman traversed the world’s ...
ViewShetland Museum Socials - drop-in
Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on ...
ViewOctober Holiday Family Fun Day
Drop in for family friendly folklore and spooky tales, fair isle crafts and ...
ViewTrowie Faase Faces - Primary 1-4
Children will sketch their design onto paper before creating their faase face ...
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
ViewChris Morphet, ALLOVER
Chris Morphet is a freelance, world famous videographer and photographer who ...
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.
Explore Thomas Irvine's sheep book on our online archive catalogue. Woollies - this is one for you!
Wool Week is upon us, posters have been printed, the annuals (thousands) are being packed and sent off, and visitors (a lot) have ...
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New exhibition coming soon: ‘Allover’ – a photographic journey into 1970s Fair Isle knitwear by Chris Morphet
Shetland Museum and Archives is delighted to announce the opening of its latest exhibition next Saturday, ‘Allover’ celebrating ...
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The Crafts of Foragers - new display
Shetland Museum and Archives is proud to announce a new display, The Crafts of Foragers, offering a captivating glimpse into Shetland's rich tradition of basket and rope-making using locally foraged plants. The exhibit, now open to the public, includes a small collection of Shetland baskets, highlighting the wide range of native plants historically used to create everyday items essential for life on the islands.
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