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
Shetland Mariners in the Great War - a talk by Laughton Johnston
The sea dominated Shetlanders’ war service during 1914-1918. Over 1,750 were mariners, on 1,500 ships, and although they were civilians, they faced the brunt of enemy action to the full. New research has revealed our mariners’ stories for the first time.
Find Out 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.
Visit Us
A warm welcome awaits you at Shetland Museum and Archives. Join us for a journey through Shetland’s past with our informative displays and interactive exhibits. Relax in Hay's Dock Cafe Restaurant and pick up a souvenir of your visit from the Gift Shop.
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.
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.
ViewPhotogrammetry Workshop With Dr Hugo Anderson-Whymark
31/10/2018
10:00am - 4:00pm
10:00am - 4:00pm
Are you interested in finding out more about Shetland’s maritime heritage?Do you Want to get hands-on with real museum objects? Have you ever wanted to learn how to produce 3D photographic models? If the answer's yes, then this workshop is for you! No previous knowledge or expertise required.
ViewShetland Mariners in the Great War - a talk by Laughton Johnston
01/11/2018
6:30pm - 10:00pm
6:30pm - 10:00pm
The sea dominated Shetlanders’ war service during 1914-1918. Over 1,750 were mariners, on 1,500 ships, and although they were civilians, they faced the brunt of enemy action to the full. New research has revealed our mariners’ stories for the first time.
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
ViewPortable Altars
28/06/2018 - 30/04/2019
Portable altars were marked with 5 crosses, depicting the wounds of Christ on the Cross. Some were made from wood with the relic cavity covered by a piece of recycled marble or porfido verde antico.
ViewMiserabiles Personae - the Poor in Society
04/10/2018 - 18/11/2018
An exhibition showing how children and the poor existed in medieval Norway and Shetland, and how King Magnus Lawmender's new law code of 1274 affected society.
ViewShetland Mariners in the Great War - compiled by Laughton Johnston
20/10/2018 - 11/01/2019
Over 1,750 Shetlanders were merchant seamen in the First World War, as civilians who had to brave enemy action. This exhibition highlights some of the new research that reveals the men and ships’ stories for the first time.
Latest News
Keep up to date with new stories and details of what our staff are doing to preserve and promote Shetland's heritage and culture .
ViewThe National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2018
04/05/2018
Five hundred years after the dazzling genius of Hans Holbein, a painting by one of the greatest portraitists of all time can now be seen in Shetland.
ViewHolbein Comes to Shetland
27/04/2018
The countdown has begun! We are delighted to say that today marks one week until the public opening of 'A Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling' by Hans Holbein in Da Gadderie. This painting will be visiting us from 4th May until 15th July and is being loaned by the National Gallery as part of their Masterpiece Tour 2018.
Crofthouse Museum
Head down to the delightful setting of Dunrossness and step back in time as you enter the traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse.
Run by Shetland Museum and Archives, the Crofthouse Museum is open from 1st May - 30th September 2018. Opening times are from 10.00am - 1.00pm, (closed from 1.00pm - 2.00pm), and open again from 2.00pm - 4.00pm, Tuesday - Sunday.
Entry Fee: £3.50 (adult), £1.50 (child, 16 and under), £2.50 (per person, group tour).
Find Out More