The Orkney Museum
The Orkney Museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age, to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. There is a large collection of old photos and activities to amuse younger visitors. The Museum’s collection is of international importance and it has a changing temporary exhibition programme.
The Orkney Museum used to be a house – Tankerness House. For three centuries this house was the home of the Baikie family of Tankerness, whose estate gave the house its name. It opened as a museum in 1968 and is an A-listed building. The Baikie Library and Drawing Room gives the visitor an idea of how the house looked when it was a family home.
The North and South wings of the house were originally manses for the Cathedral clergy. After the reformation they were bought by Gilbert Foulzie, the first Protestant minister, who in 1574 built the arched gateway that bears his coat of arms.
Address:
The Orkney Museum
Tankerness House
Broad Street
Kirkwall
Orkney
KW15 1DH
Telephone:
01856 87 3535 (Ext. 2523) or 01856 87 3191
Opening Times:
1st May to 30th Sept - Mon-Sat, from 10:30 – 17:00
1st Oct – 30th Apr - Mon-Sat, from 10:30–12:30 & 13:30–17:00 (Museum is closed for lunch - 12:30 – 13:30)
Price:
Facility is free of charge
In Depth
- Exhibitions and Events at the Orkney Museum
Exhibitions and Events at the Orkney Museum.