Shetland Museum

Shetland Museum Review

On the last remaining stretch of the old waterfront at the restored Hay's Dock, the striking Shetland Museum building, with its sail-like tower, is Shetland's cultural hub and a stimulating introduction to local culture. The two-story space is filled with displays about archaeology, textiles, culture, and contemporary art. Standout exhibits include depictions of the minutiae of everyday Shetland life across the centuries, the last remaining sixareen (a kind of fishing boat), and the Monk's Stone, a carving depicting the Irish monks who introduced Christianity to the people of Shetland. The museum is also a wonderful place to hang out; look for vintage vessels moored in the dock and seals that pop up to observe everyone checking out the scene from the glass-fronted café-restaurant terrace.