The Tankerness House
About This Museum
People often wander into Tankerness House seeking a quiet escape from Broad Street, only to find themselves completely transported back through seven centuries of Orkney life. It's not a grand, imposing museum but a charming labyrinth of connected buildings, each room feeling like a personal discovery. You can almost hear the echoes of merchant families in the painted ceilings and sense the daily rhythms near the original stone hearth. It’s the kind of place that makes history feel intimate and wonderfully tangible.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the stunning 'Merkister Desk', a beautiful piece of local craftsmanship, or the fascinating display of prehistoric artifacts found right on the islands. The restored 16th-century painted ceiling in the first-floor hall is an absolute showstopper.
Visitor Information
It's tucked right on Broad Street in Kirkwall, so it's incredibly easy to pop into while exploring the town center. Just check the Orkney Museum's opening times as they can vary with the seasons.
Architecture & Building
A wonderful jumble of 16th and 17th-century Scottish vernacular architecture, it started as a townhouse for a wealthy merchant family and just kept growing, resulting in its unique, charmingly asymmetrical character.
Contact & Location
Address: Broad Street, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Alba / Scotland, KW15 1DG, United Kingdom
Website: Visit Website
