Shetland Museum & Archives
Drop in and visit us at the Shetland Museum and Archives. We look forward to welcoming you back.
ALLOVER | Chris Morphet Exhibition
An exhibition that captures the spirit of pre-oil Shetland through Fair Isle knitwear photography.
Featuring the iconic photographs of Chris Morphet taken during his visit to Shetland in June 1970.
Running until 2 February 2025 in Da Gadderie
Photo by Chris Morphet/Redferns/Getty Images.
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Up Helly Aa at Shetland Museum & Archives
Join us as we celebrate Up Helly Aa – we have extended our opening hours and we have a full programme of events lined up including Taste of Shetland’s food & drink pop-up, Viking tours, an UHA photo display, Jarl Squad visit and pre-school activities.
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Public view sought on redevelopment of Shetland Museum and Archives’ galleries.
Shetland Museum and Archives has plans to update its galleries to coincide with its 20th anniversary in 2027 and is inviting the ...
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.
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 ...
ViewTALK: Uncovering life in Weisdale in the 19th century with archaeologist Rick Barton
During the nineteenth century, Shetland experienced significant political and ...
ViewViking Life in Shetland Tour
From early settlement to Viking arrival; join this tour to find out the impact ...
ViewPeerie Vikings (free drop-in event)
Join us for a morning of Viking fun, pre-schoolers will have the chance 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
ViewUp Helly Aa Through the Years (1900 - 1965)
A look back at photographs celebrating Up Helly Aa from 1900 - 1965.
ViewChris Morphet, ALLOVER
Chris Morphet is a freelance, world famous videographer and photographer who ...
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.
Up Helly Aa events at the Shetland Museum
Join us at the Shetland Museum & Archives as we celebrate Up Helly Aa with extended opening times, Viking tours, a food and drink ...
Read more
Shetland Amenity Trust’s unveils Up Helly Aa 2025 events
The fiery season will soon be back and Shetland Amenity Trust is putting together a packed schedule of events and extended opening ...
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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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