Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you back.
*SOLD OUT* - Polar North Monoprint with Lesley Burr (bairns workshops)
Saturday 20th April
10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm
An arctic animal art workshops with artist Lesley Burr aimed at children aged 7 to 12 years. Learn how to create your own animal prints using drawing, colour, and stencils inspired by the Polar North exhibition currently on display in Da Gadderie.
New book of Shetland Fine Lace Knitting launched
A new publication, ‘Shetland Fine Lace Knitting – Recreating patterns from the past’ by Shetland Museum’s textiles curator, ...
Read more
New Exhibition
Polar North - Arctic Paintings, Prints and Ceramics by Lesley Burr
On display now and running until Sunday 26th May 2024
in Da Gadderie, Shetland Museum and Archives
Thursday Lates
Join us as we host a series of evening talks which delve into Shetland’s fascinating heritage. What's coming up:
25th April | 7pm - 9pm
Arctic Connections - Shetland Museum & Archives Highlights from the 2024 St Magnus Conference
New poetry book - ‘Love in Human Herts’
A beautiful new publication celebrating Vagaland’s finest poetry has been launched by Shetland Amenity Trust.
Thomas Alexander Robertson, who wrote under the pen name Vagaland, is one of Shetland’s best-loved poets. Last published in book form in 1975, Robertson’s poetry has become increasingly unavailable. This new publication coincides with the 50 year anniversary of his death and includes a selection of 30 of his greatest poems, and a glossary.
‘Love in Human Herts’ is available to purchase online and from the Museum shop.
Order your copyWelcome 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.
View*SOLD OUT* - Monoprint workshop (for children aged 7-12)
An arctic animal art workshops with artist Lesley Burr aimed at children aged 7 ...
ViewShetland Museum & Archives Highlights from the 2024 St Magnus Conference
Shetland Museum & Archives curators and archivists present their papers from ...
ViewWhalers' Memory Bank Workshops 11 & 12 May
Help shape one of the biggest untold stories in Scottish social history. South ...
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
ViewPolar North by Lesley Burr
An exhibition by Scottish contemporary artist Lesley Burr inspired during her ...
ViewLooking in from the Edge
An exhibition highlighting the part Shetland played in the trade of Northern ...
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 ...
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.
Shining a light on Ann Harriet Pottinger this International Women's Day
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 we shine a light on Ann Harriet Pottinger, née Hunter, one of many unsung, hard-working ...
Read moreNew book of Shetland Fine Lace Knitting launched
A new publication, ‘Shetland Fine Lace Knitting – Recreating patterns from the past’ by Shetland Museum’s textiles curator, ...
Read more
Crofthouse Museum
The Shetland Crofthouse Museum has now closed for the 2023 season, reopening in May 2024.
Find Out More