Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you.
What's on in May?
Thursday 8th May
VE 80 Night - Join us for a lively evening commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day
7pm - 9.30pm | Tickets £16
Friday 16th May
Evening Talk: What's New with Shetland Finds?
7pm - 8.30pm | Tickets £5
Saturday 17th May
Shetland Finds Day with Treasure Trove
10am – 4pm | Free
Thursday 22nd May
Slander, Theft and Violence in early 17th century Shetland: a talk by John Shaw
7pm - 8.30pm | Tickets £5
VE 80 Celebration
Thursday 8 May 2025 | 7.00 - 9.30pm
Join us to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the formal end of World War II in Europe. Throughout the nation, folk will come together in remembrance and celebration on this day. The museum will come to life with activities that capture the spirit of celebration that swept the nation in May 1945. Dress to impress in your best 1940s style!
* Talk by local historian, Jon Sandison
* Live Music from Girsie and the Loose Ends
* Ration-era cookery demos by Taste of Shetland
* 1940s hair styling by UHI students
* WW2 artefacts and military uniforms ... and more!
Ron Sandford’s ‘Spirit of Places’ opens this weekend
Opening Saturday 10th May
The Shetland Museum’s Gadderie space will be transformed by Spirit of Places, a wide-ranging exhibition by Yell-based artist Ron Sandford. The exhibition brings together over 60 works that reflect Sandford’s deep connection to place – drawing on his life in Shetland, time spent in China, and travels across Europe. Through meticulously observed still lifes, landscapes, and portraits in pencil, pen, ink, and watercolour, the exhibition showcases Sandford’s remarkable skill and enduring commitment for drawing.
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.
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.
ViewVE 80 Night at the Museum
Join us to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, ...
ViewA Night by Da Fire - Music and Stories at the Crofthouse Museum
Step back in time as you enter a traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse ...
ViewShetland Museum Socials - drop-in
Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on ...
ViewWhat's New with Shetland Finds?
Join Dr George Prew, Treasure Trove Officer, for an evening learning about the ...
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
ViewSwan LK243 - 125 Years of Maritime Heritage
This exhibition will celebrate the 125-year history of the Swan LK243 through a ...
ViewLooking in from the Edge
An exhibition highlighting the part Shetland played in the trade of Northern ...
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.
Ron Sandford’s ‘Spirit of Places’ opens this weekend at Shetland Museum and Archives
The Shetland Museum’s Gadderie space will be transformed by Spirit of Places, a wide-ranging exhibition by Yell-based artist Ron ...
Read more
Memories of VE Day 80 years ago
The eighth of May is the eightieth anniversary of the Victory in Europe. Plans for the seventy-fifth anniversary in 2020 were largely ...
Read more
Support Us
Shetland Museum and Archives is managed by Shetland Amenity Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to safeguarding, enhancing, and promoting Shetland's heritage. Our mission is to ensure that Shetland’s history and culture remain accessible for everyone to enjoy - now and for generations to come.
Your generosity plays a vital role in making this possible. Donations directly support the care, preservation, and display of our collections, artefacts, and archives and help us to continue to share Shetland’s story with our community and visitors.
Every gift makes a difference. Thank you.
Find Out More