# The Orkney Museum, The Orkney Isles — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info

> Discover Orkney's fascinating heritage at this wheelchair-accessible museum in historic Tankerness House, showcasing island life through the ages in the heart of Kirkwall.

Source: https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/attractions/the-orkney-museum (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version.

Museum

# The Orkney Museum

Tankerness House Broad Street, Kirkwall

[View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16165437666116808105&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Photo: [The Orkney Museum](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/104374454071368902554)

**In short:** The Orkney Museum is a museum in The Orkney Isles, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 232 Google reviews.

Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places

## About The Orkney Museum

Discover Orkney's fascinating heritage at this wheelchair-accessible museum in historic Tankerness House, showcasing island life through the ages in the heart of Kirkwall.

## What's nearby

- Judith Glue next door
- Kirkwall & St Ola Community Centre next door
- The Longship next door
- St Magnus Cathedral next door
- Orkney Library & Archive next door

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

## Good to know

### Accessibility

- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

## Photos

Photos via Google

## Opening hours

**Monday** 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

**Tuesday** 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

**Wednesday** 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

**Thursday** 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

**Friday** 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

**Saturday** 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

**Sunday** Closed

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

## What visitors say

[Grace Xiao](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104943248603700390293/reviews) ★★★★★

A wonderful small museum that offers a great introduction to Orkney’s fascinating history. The exhibits are thoughtfully presented, and I learned much more about the islands before exploring the nearby landmarks. A perfect stop for anyone interested in local culture and heritage.

· via Google

[Matthew Palmer](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104575913606317942588/reviews) ★★★★★

Really lovely museum. Free to enter but they do suggest a £5 donation wjchbis well worth it anyway. Some amazing exhibits showing Orkney life from the begging to the present. Well set out and good information on everything. Definitely go if your in town

· via Google

[Matthew MacKenzie](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115220448747091745477/reviews) ★★★★★

The Orkney Museum is absolutely superb; lots of interesting artifacts from ancient to modern displayed throughout. There is also a very well kept garden to the rear which is also a must-see. The museum is free but well worth the suggested £5 donation.

· via Google

[Mark Mellinger](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100786409936907003911/reviews) ★★★★★

A wonderful educational and esthetic tour of history, culture of Orkney. From stone age through Picts to Roman times. Many extraordinary items. Well worth your time.

· via Google

[See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x489b0163cc5fb9f1:0xe0572be8bf9cada9!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Visitors say this museum offers fascinating exhibits covering Orkney's history from prehistoric times to the present, with many extraordinary artifacts. They also highlight that it's free to enter, though donations are suggested, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Others mention the well-curated displays provide useful context for exploring the islands.

Summary via Google

## At a glance

**Address** Broad Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DH [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=58.9813487%2C-2.9609436)

**Category** Museums & Galleries

**Guest rating** 4.6 / 5 (232 reviews)

**Suitable for** All Ages

**Setting** Indoor

**Good for children** Yes

**Toilets on site** Yes

**Destination** The Orkney Isles

[More attractions in The Orkney Isles](https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/attractions)

★ 4.6 (232 reviews)

[Visit official website](https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/orkney-museum.htm?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction)

[01856 873535 (ext 2523) or 01856 873191](tel:01856873535(ext2523%29or01856873191)

(please mention staycation.co.uk when calling)

### Quick Facts

**Destination** The Orkney Isles

**Postcode** KW15 1DH

**Plus Code** 9CCVX2JQ+GJ

[Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x489b0163cc5fb9f1:0xe0572be8bf9cada9!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x489b0163cc5fb9f1:0xe0572be8bf9cada9!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x489b0163cc5fb9f1:0xe0572be8bf9cada9!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

### 🏨 Places to stay near The Orkney Isles

Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices.

[Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DThe%2BOrkney%2BIsles%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom)

Affiliate link

[Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/camping)

## Quick answers

### What are the opening hours of The Orkney Museum?

The Orkney Museum is open Mon–Sat 10:30am–5pm; Sun closed (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go).

### Is The Orkney Museum any good?

The Orkney Museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 232 Google reviews.

### Is The Orkney Museum good for children?

Yes, The Orkney Museum is listed as good for children.

### Is The Orkney Museum indoors or outdoors?

The Orkney Museum is indoors, so it works on a rainy day.

### What ages is The Orkney Museum suitable for?

The Orkney Museum suits all ages.

### Is The Orkney Museum wheelchair accessible?

The Orkney Museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet.

### How do I contact The Orkney Museum?

Call The Orkney Museum on +44 1856 873191.

## More near The Orkney Museum

### Hotels & B&Bs nearby

- [The Orkney Hotel ★ 4.1 · next door](https://staycation.co.uk/kirkwall/hotels/the-orkney-hotel)
- [The Albert Hotel ★ 4.2 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/orkney/hotels/the-albert-hotel)
- [The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms ★ 4.6 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/orkney/hotels/the-storehouse-restaurant-with-rooms)
- [West End Hotel ★ 4.4 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/kirkwall/hotels/west-end-hotel)

### Holiday cottages nearby

- [Rockworks Chalets - Rockworks Chalets No. 2 ★ 4.7 · 6.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/orkney/cottages/rockworks-chalets-rockworks-chalets-no-2-uk7041)

### Campsites nearby

- [Orkney Caravan Park at The Pickaquoy Centre ★ 4.6 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/orkney/camping/orkney-caravan-park-pickaquoy)
- [Orkney Self Catering Caravan Holiday ★ 4.6 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/orkney/camping/orkney-self-catering-caravan-holiday)
- [Orkney Caravan Park ★ 4.6 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/kirkwall/camping/orkney-caravan-park)
- [Kirkwall Bay Touring Park ★ 4.9 · 1.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/kirkwall/camping/kirkwall-bay-touring-park)

### Things to do nearby

- [Pickaquoy Centre ★ 4.6 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/attractions/pickaquoy-centre)
- [Orkan Adventures ★ 5.0 · 8.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/attractions/orkan-adventures)
- [Fossil and Heritage Centre ★ 4.6 · 8.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/attractions/fossil-and-heritage-centre)
- [The Pier Arts Centre ★ 4.7 · 12.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/the-orkney-isles/attractions/the-pier-arts-centre)
