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Shell Global
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Shell Historical Heritage & Archive

The Shell Historical Collection brings Shell’s heritage to life for a global audience, preserving trusted records, iconic artifacts, and authentic stories that strengthen the brand, inform decision‑making, and inspire innovation - offering insight into where we come from and where we are going.

Shell branded playing cards in leather holder

Shell Archive

With over a kilometre and a half of shelving, the Shell historical collection in the Hague is a heritage treasure trove.

This temperature-controlled environment houses items from around the world and dating back to the 1890s, including hundreds of thousands of precious papers, books, paintings, photos and films. We regularly loan out items from the archive to contribute to exhibitions and events around the world.

For any queries : si-shell-historical-heritage-archive@shell.com

More about Shell's heritage

Flag bearing Shell branding

Brand history

Over a century ago, Shell’s iconic logo started life as a mussel shell – discover how the brand has changed over the years.

Black and White photo of Shell Motor Spirit vehicles

Company history

Go back to 1833 to see where it all started and how Shell has evolved to become one of the world’s leading energy companies.

More aspects of Our Heritage

Old style red racing car on racing track

Motorsport History

Shell was there alongside the earliest motorsport pioneers, helping to fuel their dreams of turning a new mode of transport into an exciting way to compete. And Shell is still involved today, partnering with race teams at tracks around the world – from Formula 1 to MotoGP to Nascar.

Pilot sitting in spitfire aircraft

Aviation History

Shell has been powering aviation from its earliest beginnings…here are just a few of the milestones the company has been a part of along the way.

Three people wearing white lab coats talking

Major Innovation Milestones

Shell’s history is full of examples of how we’ve powered progress through new ideas and pioneering technology. On this page, we’ve looked at some of the key areas where we’ve made breakthroughs over the years, and where we’re still pushing boundaries today.