Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Book Launch - ‘Love in Human Herts’
Join us for a night of Vagaland poetry readings, music and reminiscences.
Date: Thursday 7th December
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Where: Shetland Museum & Archives
Cost: Free, booking advised
‘Love in Human Herts’ is available to purchase online and from the Museum shop.
Reserve your seat
‘Logical Confusion’, a retrospective exhibition of Mike McDonnell opens at the Shetland Museum
An ambitious new exhibition dedicated to the artistry of well-known local artist Mike McDonnell opened this weekend at the Shetland ...
Read more
Research project commissioned to encourage locals to grow more aets!
Shetland Amenity Trust has commissioned a research project with two local straw makers to understand more about the growing of ...
Read more
Film celebrating the achievements of Johnnie Notions launched by Shetland Museum and Archives
A new film which brings to life the incredible story of 18th century inoculation pioneer and Shetland crofter Johnnie Notions has been launched today by Shetland Museum and Archives.
Watch the film
The funny story behind some of Lerwick's street names
In the 1880s Lerwick was changing rapidly. As the great herring fishery of that era developed, there were new streets, and potential ...
Read more
Pre-school Activity Mornings
Every Friday from 10am to 12pm
Free drop-in sessions - no need to book!
Bring your little explorers to the Shetland Museum & Archives for our heritage-filled fun sessions, designed especially for under 5's - where history comes to life through play and discovery!
Join us on Fridays as we explore a new and exciting theme each week.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. 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 / Book
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.
Find Out More
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.
ViewPre-school Activity Mornings
Bring your little explorers to the Shetland Museum & Archives for our free ...
ViewWinter Straw Club - SOLD OUT
Join us for a winter of straw making and help preserve a critically endangered ...
ViewBook Launch - a Night of Vagaland
Join us for an evening of Vagaland poetry readings, music and reminiscences to ...
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
ViewLogical Confusion – a retrospective exhibition of the artistry of Mike McDonnell
A themed exhibition of Mike McDonnell's work which shows the diversity of his ...
ViewHarriet's Portrait
As part of the BBC's 'Extraordinary Portraits', UK artist Stuart Pearson Wright ...
ViewOn Top of the World
In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tanzing Norgay became the first humans to summit ...
ViewJohn Johnson: Hobby Artist at Sea
An exhibition of paintings and ships in bottles by Shetland resident John ...
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.
Research project commissioned to encourage locals to grow more aets!
Shetland Amenity Trust has commissioned a research project with two local straw makers to understand more about the growing of ...
Read more‘Logical Confusion’, a retrospective exhibition of Mike McDonnell opens at the Shetland Museum
An ambitious new exhibition dedicated to the artistry of well-known local artist Mike McDonnell opened this weekend at the Shetland ...
Read more
Crofthouse Museum
The Shetland Crofthouse Museum has now closed for the 2023 season, reopening in May 2024.
Find Out More