Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you.
A Shetlander in Iceland in 1252 - a talk by archivist Brian Smith
Thursday, March 27th 2025
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Tickets £5
In 1252 a Shetlander called Öndótt arrived in Iceland. He was the skipper of a ship. He had come to collect a debt. During his travels he bumped into some of the most important Icelandic chieftains. It was the last days of the Icelandic Commonwealth, when King Hakon of Norway was trying to take control. The Shetland skipper found himself embroiled in the tense atmosphere of that period.
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Vintage Camera Workshop (for Adults)
Saturday 29 March
9.30am - 4pm
Ticket price £85
Join us and photography tutor Chris G Smith for a full day experiencing the wonders of vintage photography. With Chris’ vast collection of analogue cameras, you will first be guided through the evolution of analogue. Then, on being handed your own vintage camera for the day, you will have the opportunity to take inspiration from the Museum building and coastal surrounds of Hay’s Dock to capture moments on film.
New Photographic Exhibition - ‘Seen Furt’
Now open running until 27th April
Shetland Museum and Archives is delighted to announce the opening of an inspiring new exhibition, Seen Furt, a photographic exhibition in the Gadderie space. Curated by the Islesburgh Photographic Club, the exhibition is a collection of images celebrating Shetland’s landscapes, diverse wildlife and striking natural colours.
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. 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 ...
ViewPre-school Activity Mornings
Bring your little explorers to the Shetland Museum & Archives for our ...
ViewA Shetlander in Iceland in 1252 - a talk by archivist Brian Smith
In 1252 a Shetlander called Öndótt arrived in Iceland. He was the skipper of ...
ViewVintage Camera Workshop (Adults)
Join us and photography tutor Chris G Smith for a full day experiencing 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
View"Seen Furt" by Islesburgh Photographic Club
A collection of contemporary images by Islesburgh Photographic Club celebrating ...
ViewUp Helly Aa Through the Years (1900 - 1965)
A look back at photographs celebrating Up Helly Aa from 1900 - 1965.
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.
Remembering Christina Jamieson this International Women’s Day
In celebration of International Women’s Day we’re remembering just one of the many pioneering women in Shetland’s history, ...
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Shetland Museum unveils ‘Seen Furt’ in new photographic exhibition inspired by Shetland’s outdoors
Shetland Museum and Archives is delighted to announce the opening of an inspiring new exhibition, Seen Furt, a photographic exhibition ...
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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