Shetland Museum, Maritime museum in Lerwick, United Kingdom
The Shetland Museum is located in Lerwick and displays the islands' history across two floors connected by stairs. The building holds boats, everyday objects, and documents that show how people lived and worked across different periods.
The museum opened in 2007 at its current location after replacing a previous institution that ran since 1966. The new building incorporated a restored dock structure from 1815 as part of its waterfront position.
The collections showcase Fair Isle knitwear and traditional crafts that reflect generations of island skills passed down in households. You can see how textiles connect to daily life in Shetland, with displays showing what people made and wore.
The museum sits by the waterfront in central Lerwick and is easy to reach by public transport or on foot. Inside, elevators and ramps make it possible for people with mobility needs to visit all areas.
The museum building wraps around the restored Hay's Dock from 1815, and the harbor was specially deepened to display historic vessels inside. This connection between the building and the water makes the place itself part of the port's story.
Location: Shetland Islands
Inception: 2007
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Lower Hillhead, Lerwick ZE1 0EL
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:00; Sunday 12:00-17:00
Phone: +441595695057
Email: info@shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk
Website: https://shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk
GPS coordinates: 60.15860,-1.14778
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Scotland offers visitors a wide range of historical sites and natural landscapes. This collection moves through castles that have watched over towns and valleys for centuries, through moorlands and mountains in the Highlands, along lochs, and to coastlines where the sea meets rock. It also includes museums, gardens, and places connected to the country's past. Among the sites are Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, two fortresses that rise above their cities. Loch Ness draws people who want to see the water and the hills around it. Eilean Donan Castle sits on a small island, surrounded by water and peaks. The Isle of Skye presents rough terrain such as the Cuillin Hills. Glen Coe is a valley enclosed by steep slopes. In Glasgow, the cathedral and Kelvingrove Art Gallery invite exploration. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh provides calm within the city. The collection also takes in engineering works like the Falkirk Wheel and the Forth Bridge, and remote spots such as Ardnamurchan Lighthouse and Luskentyre Beach (about 1 mile or 1.6 kilometers long).
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