Venue Description

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.

Accessibility

Wheel chair access to Orkney Museum is available from Tankerness House Gardens located at the rear of the building entered from Tankerness Lane, between the museum and Royal Bank of Scotland. Ground floor rooms I, 2 and 3, gift shop and toilet (disabled) accessible. Individual single stair-lift to first floor on main stairway, wheelchair provided at 1st floor level. Further short stair lift to Medieval and Merchant Lairds galleries with additional wheelchair. Altogether 8 rooms on 1st floor level. 19th and 20th century galleries may be entered from Broad Street with the assistance of on duty Visitor Services Officer (required to open secure door) contact 01856 873191 or inform at museum shop. Hearing loop in museum shop. Film’s, photographs and audio recordings located within the galleries, largest collection in the 20th century gallery.

Awards List

Orkney Disability Forum access grading B.

Toilets

Two toilets in building, one of has access for disabled. May be queing on busy days when cruise liners visiting Kirkwall.

Staff

Staff experienced in assisting people with disabilities.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Large garden at rear of building.