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
‘The Arthurs’
A feature exhibition exploring Shetland surnames Arthur and Arthurson is now on display at the Shetland Museum and Archives. The collaboration between the Shetland Family History Society and the Museum and Archives is part of the society’s ‘Sharing Shetland Surnames’ project. Each year they collaborate on a feature exhibition with past years focussing on Shetland surnames Abernethy, Goudie and Robertson.
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.
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.
ViewJanette Budge Knitting Workshops
Shetland knitwear designer and tutor Janette Budge will be offering a series of ...
ViewTalk by Will Miles - The World of Seabirds - Shetland and Beyond
A look at the world of seabirds on Shetland and further afield, including their ...
ViewTalk by Ian Tait - The Eagle's Last Stonghold - Shetland's guilt in a national extinction
Come and find out what happened to Shetland's Sea eagles.
ViewTalk by Brian Smith - Celebrating Walter Scott, one of Shetland's greatest naturalists
Brian Smith will speak in the Archives searchroom about the rich botanical ...
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
Latest Blog Posts
Keep up to date with new stories and details of what our staff are doing to preserve and promote Shetland's heritage and culture.
‘The Arthurs’
A feature exhibition exploring Shetland surnames Arthur and Arthurson is now on display at the Shetland Museum and Archives. The ...
Read more
The Burnous
One of the most dramatic pieces of lace knitting in our collection is an oddly-shaped red and white striped flat textile (TEX 7780). ...
Read more
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).
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