Shetland Museum, Lerwick, United Kingdom

Set on the waterfront within a restored 19th century dock in Lerwick, Shetland Museum and Archives tells the story of Shetland’s heritage and culture. The museum chart the development of the archipelago from its earliest geological origins to the present day. Its galleries contain everything from delicate Shetland lace to Pictish art and even the first telephone introduced in the islands in 1883. Visit the renovated Boat Shed to watch vessels being constructed by hand using techniques handed down through generations, and admire completed examples suspended from the ceiling in the three-storey Boat Hall. The museum’s Archive Collections offers wealth of material related to all aspects of Shetland life including books, magazines, Ordnance Survey maps, court records and newspapers. The Heritage Hub provides assistance to visitor interested in further exploring any aspect of Shetland’s culture and past. Other facilities include a café restaurant, an auditorium, study rooms, a temporary exhibition space and shop.

References:

Visit Scotland

User Reviews

Yuliia Kabanets (6 months ago)
It was really nice to walk around the museum and learn about Shetland history. It has interactive components, and the stands are great! I wish I could spend there more time. There is also a lovely shop, I got a few souvenirs from there. It's free of charge and you can donate if you want to support this place

John Fox (9 months ago)
Outstanding museum, with dedicated knowledgeable staff and engaging exhibits. However the building is beginning to show its age! Perhaps an external tidy-up and wash for it's 21st birthday in 2025? Weeds in the gravel and block paving, and dirty exterior walls were not a good look.

Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly) (9 months ago)
The museum offers an engaging, multi-sensory experience that explores Lerwick's unique ecology, history and culture from the prehistoric era to the present. There is even a full-size longboat on display in their nautical history section. We spent 2 hours and skipped lunch because there was so much to explore. The museum is free but donations are appreciated. We found some great momentos for friends and family in their gift shop.

Vicki Ryan (9 months ago)
A must-see! We spent 90 minutes just on the first floor! Take your time to enjoy and learn from this tremendous collection of Shetland history. Well stocked gift shop too! Easy parking. Toilets. Helpful staff. ENJOY!

Colin Smith (10 months ago)
This is an amazing museum, with something for everyone, and it’s free, although donations are very welcome. There is so much to see that we visited twice covering one floor on each visit. Plenty of seating around to sit and ponder. With a lovely cafe upstairs serving lunches, cakes and snacks, it’s a great place to spend a few hours.

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