Shetland Museum and Archives
A modern museum by the harbour covering geology, the Picts, the Vikings, fishing and Fair Isle knitting. Admission is free.
Shetland Museum and Archives stands on the old pier at Hay's Dock in Lerwick, where its modern building connects with a restored old boatyard. The exhibits trace the islands' history chronologically: geology, the Neolithic and Iron Ages, replicas of Pictish silverwork, the Viking and Norse period, whaling and herring fishing, the secret Shetland Bus route of World War II, and the traditions of Fair Isle and Shetland lace knitting. Several traditional wooden boats hang in the boat hall. Admission is free, the museum café overlooks the harbour, and it is a good first stop for an overview of the islands.
Opening hours
About Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 12:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Up Helly Aa
- Fort Charlotte
- Lerwick Old Town & Commercial Street
- Broch of Clickimin
- Scalloway Castle & Museum
- Isle of Noss
- Broch of Mousa
- Weisdale Mill & Bonhoga Gallery