Shetland Museum and Archives

This award-winning, dockside museum and archive centre is a great place to visit with the family. Go on a journey through Shetland’s past! The ever-changing exhibitions, displays and regular events in the building provide an entertaining, interactive and enjoyable journey through the history of these beautiful islands, from the geological beginnings right through to the more contemporary social changes in the 1970’s. Children in particular will enjoy the museum’s varied collections, especially the Folklife Collection with its many Shetland items, such as the kishie, tushkar, fourareen and hap – find out what these are! Outside visitors can enjoy the Floating Collection of classic Shetland craft, all in working order, which can often be seen in use during the summer months. The Boat Shed provides a perfect environment to watch boats being worked on and to learn more about the traditional techniques and skills involved. 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 the current shows are listed on the website. In the galleries children can find dressing up boxes, interactive displays and even a chance to design a Fair Isle jumper; or take a virtual tour of the historic fishing station at Fethaland. There are many additional and free activities for families to enjoy during a visit to the Shetland Museum and Archives. There is also an entertaining calendar of events suitable for families throughout the year. When little legs get tired, there is the Hay’s Dock cafe and restaurant with wonderful views out over the dock from the full length windows.