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.
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