Hidden Treasures of Stromness Museum

One of the greatest places to visit in Stromness is the Stromness Museum. This independently-run museum is a showcase of whatever the Orkney Islands stand for. It has a wide range of permanent exhibits and is open to visitors year round. Read on to learn more about the Stromness Museum.

Stromness Museum, founded in 1837, is a beacon of Orkney's rich history. Its inception was fueled by a collective passion for preserving the heritage of the islands.

The museum has gone through periods of renovation and adaptation to changing museum practices. During the 1990s, it underwent further expansion by incorporating the Pilot’s House to the rear of the building. It also went through some refurbishment to accommodate new exhibits. Despite these changes, it still maintains its old Victorian charm.

The heart of the Stromness Museum lies in its diverse and captivating collections. Spanning centuries and encompassing various facets of Orkney life, the exhibits are a testament to the island's maritime prowess, archaeological significance, and natural beauty.

The archaeology collection at the Stromness Museum is a mesmerising journey through Orkney's ancient past. The collection contains objects from Skara Brae. After a series of excavations in Skara Brae, the museum received around 700 archaeological artefacts.

The main highlight of the collection is the Skara Brae Buddo. This figurine is made of whalebone – a rare representation of Neolithic humans – and dates back to the third millennium B.C. Among other Neolithic artefacts, one can name a stone ring, a stone hammer, bone beads, and a spinning whorl and arrowhead.

The ethnography exhibits showcase the craftsmanship, folklore, and daily lives of the island's inhabitants. Stromness has acted as a crossroads for ships and ferries for centuries. As the ships would stop for water and supplies, they had to exchange some of their goods with the locals. Thus, lots of these items stayed on the island and now enrich the Stromness Museum’s collections.

One of the highlights of the collection is an African’s Chief’s Throne, a decorative armchair with carved bone decorations. Another one is a Nephrite Jade blade, with its stone originating in New Zealand.

The maritime heritage section pays homage to Orkney's deep-seated connection to the sea. For long, the sea has acted as a lifeline for the inhabitants of the islands. It is also a vessel through which Stromness’s local history is connected to the larger global past.

In this collection, you may find different ship models, paintings, and lots of artefacts relating to the fishing industry and sailing. There are also objects specifically related to the two World Wars, which are a good reflection of the island’s strategic significance.

Orkney's unique ecosystems come to life in the natural history collection at the Stromness Museum. Fossils, minerals, and shells are some of the few objects gathered in the museum. 

An important highlight is a fossil discovered in the 19th century that goes by the name of Homostius milleri. Hugh Miller, who discovered the fossil, described it as possibly ‘the oldest vertebrate remains yet discovered in Orkney’.

The social history section explores the social fabric of Orkney, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of its people in the face of changing times. Artefacts and materials related to commercial food production, whisky distillation, and tourism depict the town's commercial history. They are a good reflection of Stromness's development, changing society, and the way it became the merchant town it is now.

The Stromness Museum's commitment to scholarly pursuits is evident in its research collection. The items in the research collection are those that require an appointment to view. They are the result of the work of distinguished naturalists and geologists and hold utmost importance for the place.

A visit to Stromness Museum is a memorable and enriching experience for anyone curious about Orkney's unique heritage. It is located at the south end of Stromness on Alfred Street. 

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 15:30 p.m., providing ample time for exploration. Accessing the museum is convenient, with it being just a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Ferry Terminal/Bus Stop. One of the downsides of the museum's building is its limited disabled visitor access because of the building’s age.

While the museum itself is a treasure trove of history, a stay in Stromness completes the immersive experience. For a comfortable stay, you can try The Stromness Hotel, a historic hotel with modern amenities and breathtaking views. It features 42 en-suite rooms, perfect for business and holiday stays.