Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Summer Family Fun Days
Join us for our free themed family days as we explore our museum collections through craft, activities and have a go sessions.
Date: Thursday 18th July
Time: 10am - 2pm
Theme: Crofting
Cost: Free, drop in event
Thurs 7th August - Storytelling
Shetland Museum unveils new photographic exhibition capturing 1970s social history
A new photographic exhibition opens today at Shetland Museum and Archives which provides a glimpse into an aspect of Shetland’s ...
Read more
Crofthouse Museum
Step back in time as you enter the traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse.
Now open daily for the 2024 summer season from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.
Read 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.
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
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.
ViewTour: Shetland's Textile Treasures
Running every Thursday afternoon. Hear the story of Shetland’s famous textile ...
ViewTour: The History of Hay's Dock
Running every Saturday afternoon. Learn all about the area surrounding Shetland ...
ViewTour: Highlights of Shetland Museum
Running every Monday afternoon. A potted history of Shetland in the 19th ...
ViewTour: Shetland's Crofting Past
Running every Tuesday afternoon: Learn all about Shetland’s crofting past and ...
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
ViewLynne McPeake – Shetland. August 1971
In August 1971, Lynne McPeake travelled from Manchester to Lerwick for a diving ...
ViewUHI Shetland Exhibitions
This June we are delighted to support the work of UHI Shetland creative ...
ViewEbbe and Flow
A celebration of our cultural and maritime connections with Scandinavia through ...
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.
Shetland Museum unveils new photographic exhibition capturing 1970s social history
A new photographic exhibition opens today at Shetland Museum and Archives which provides a glimpse into an aspect of Shetland’s ...
Read more
Shetland Museum unveils ‘All About Everything’ featuring the creative work of Eric Gray students
The creative and colourful work of Eric Gray students is on display from today in a new exhibition ‘All About Everything’ at the ...
Read more
Crofthouse Museum
The Shetland Crofthouse Museum is now open for the 2024 summer season. Open daily from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.
Find Out More