Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you.
New Exhibition | Ron Sandford ‘Spirit of Places’
Running until 10 August 2025
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.
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We're Hiring
Engagement and Programming Manager
We're looking for an experienced learning and programming professional to lead our visitor, engagement and outreach services. This role is central to developing and delivering a dynamic and inclusive programme of events, learning activities and community-based projects that connect people with Shetland’s unique cultural heritage.
World War II Audio Recordings
Within our archive collection we hold a number of 1940s war time audio recordings of local men and women who worked and fought during World War II.
We hear about air raids, the night London was on fire and cold, hard days at sea dodging floating mines but also shining through are fond memories of friendship, music and adventure.
Listen hereWelcome 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.
ViewShetland Museum Socials - drop-in
Come along to our informal Shetland Museum Socials running fortnightly on ...
ViewNavigation Workshop (Primary 5-7)
A fun, hands-on workshop exploring the skills sailors used ...
ViewWhaling Workshop (Primary 1-4)
Discover Shetland’s whaling past with a short guided tour of our whaling ...
ViewMaritime Family Fun Day (drop-in)
Join us as we explore our museum collections through craft, activities and have ...
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
View'Spirit of Places' by Ron Sandford
'Spirit of course, is not visible and has to be felt' Ron Sandford captures the ...
ViewSwan LK243 - 125 Years of Maritime Heritage
This exhibition will celebrate the 125-year history of the Swan LK243 through a ...
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.
Spirit of Places - a selection of works for sale by Ron Sandford
In response to the local and national interest in Ron Sandford's exhibition, Spirit of Places, we have listed the pieces still ...
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World War II Audio Recordings from Shetlanders
Within our archive collection we hold a number of 1940s war time audio recordings of local men and women who worked and fought during ...
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.
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