The Orkney Museum
Housed in a 16th-century mansion opposite the cathedral, with free displays of Orkney's history from the Neolithic and Pictish periods through the Viking age to modern times.
The Orkney Museum is housed in Tankerness House. Its exhibits include Neolithic stone tools and carved stone balls, Pictish symbol stones, Viking grave goods, and everyday objects from modern island life. The displays are compact, making it a good place to get an overview before visiting the Neolithic sites. Entry is free. The museum is usually closed on Sundays, and there is a small garden in the back. It sits directly opposite St Magnus Cathedral.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat approx. 10:30–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- St Magnus Cathedral
- Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
- Kirkwall Old Town & Harbour
- Highland Park Distillery
- Scapa Distillery
- Churchill Barriers
- Italian Chapel
- Scapa Flow