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
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.
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.
Opening Times
Museum
| Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm |
| Sunday: 12.00pm to 5.00pm |
Archives
| Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 4.30pm |
| Saturday and Sunday: Closed |
Hay’s Dock Café Restaurant
| Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 3.00pm |
| Friday Evening: 5.00pm - 9.00pm (last orders) |
| Saturday: 10.00am - 9.00pm (last orders) |
| Sunday: Closed |
Crofthouse Museum
| 1st May to 30th September, Daily: 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm |
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.
Self Guided Tour of Hay's Dock
07/08/2017
10:00am - 5:00pm
10:00am - 5:00pm
Collect a guide sheet from reception and take a self-guided tour around the historic Hay's Dock to learn about its fascinating past.
Exhibition of 'North Boats'
07/08/2017
10:00am - 5:00pm
10:00am - 5:00pm
Shetland Museum has an impressive collection of photographs and models of generations of ‘North Boats'. A selection of these will be on display in the upper foyer.
ViewMootie Moose - Brilliant Boats
07/08/2017 10:00am
Join Mootie Moose to discover the Brilliant Boats around at Boat Week.
ViewVaila Mae boat trip
07/08/2017
10:30am - 3:00pm
10:30am - 3:00pm
Join our experienced crew for a trip in the sixareen, Vaila Mae, to experience traditional dipping lug sailing.
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
ViewAlex Boak - People who touch wool
02/09/2017 - 01/10/2017
A display of images relating to the cultural, social and economic importance of wool in Shetland.
ViewFocus Display: Portable Alters
08/09/2017 - 01/04/2018
'Mass on the move; bringing worship to the local community'
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 .
ViewBoats on the Move
27/07/2017
The Shetland Museum Boat Shed has had a transformation with the departure of the Oceanic Lifeboat - a long term resident during her restoration.
ViewAith Junior High Pupils curate new exhibition at Shetland Museum and Archives
30/06/2017
A new exhibition has been unveiled telling the story of the whaling ship, Diana. The display has been curated by pupils from P4/5 and P6/7 of Aith Junior High.
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 daily from 10am throughout the summer (May - September). Entry is free, donations welcome.