Sisimiut Museum
Qeqqata Kommunia
Sisimiut Museum, located in a historic building near the harbour of Sisimiut, Greenland, offers a rich cultural insight into the region's history and heritage. The museum specializes in Greenlandic trade, industry, and shipping, featuring artifacts uncovered from extensive archaeological research, particularly of the ancient Saqqaq culture settlements dating back 4,000 years. Its collections include tools and domestic items gathered between 1902 and 1922, an inventory from the old Church with an original altarpiece circa 1650, and paintings from the 1790s. Visitors can also explore an outdoor peat house reconstruction representing an early 20th-century Greenlandic residence with authentic domestic furniture. Notable exhibits include remains of an 18th-century kayak and the Poul Madsen collection, which encompasses handcrafts, art, household items, and ethnographic objects accumulated over fifty years. The museum plays a significant role in preserving and presenting Greenlandic cultural heritage through these diverse collections.
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Tip: The best time to visit Sisimiut Museum is during the summer months when Sisimiut is more accessible and the weather is milder. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance via the museum's official website. Visitors interested in archaeology and Greenlandic culture should allocate sufficient time to appreciate the extensive exhibits. While tickets can usually be purchased on-site, checking for any available discounts or guided tours beforehand is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's artifacts are based on a decade of archaeological research of Saqqaq culture settlements near Sisimiut.
- •It houses an original church altarpiece dated to approximately 1650.
- •The outdoor exhibition includes a peat house reconstruction of an early 20th-century Greenlandic residence.
- •Remains of an 18th-century kayak are part of the museum's collection.
- •The Poul Madsen collection contains handcraft, art, house items, and ethnographic objects compiled over fifty years.
History
The museum is housed in a historical building near Sisimiut's harbour and was developed to showcase Greenlandic trade, industry, and shipping heritage.
A key milestone was the archaeological excavations of the Saqqaq culture settlements conducted over ten years, revealing artifacts from 4,000 years ago.
In 1989, Finn Kramer, the museum's curator, discovered the Nipisat Saqqaq culture site and led its excavation over the following five years.
The museum's collections also include items gathered from 1902 to 1922 and an original church altarpiece dating back to around 1650, reflecting the region's long cultural continuity.
Place Guide
Saqqaq Culture Exhibitscirca 2000 BCE
Displays artifacts excavated from nearby ancient Saqqaq culture settlements, dating back 4,000 years, illustrating early Greenlandic life.
Peat House Reconstructionearly 20th century
An outdoor exhibit featuring a reconstructed peat house representing an early 20th-century Greenlandic residence, complete with domestic furniture to showcase traditional living conditions.
Church Inventory and Altarpiececirca 1650
An original altarpiece from the old Church dating to around 1650, along with other church inventory items, reflecting religious history in Sisimiut.
18th Century Kayak Remains18th century
Remains of a kayak from the 18th century illustrating traditional Greenlandic watercraft technology.
Poul Madsen Collection
A diverse collection of handcraft, art, household items, and ethnographic objects compiled over fifty years, showcasing Greenlandic cultural heritage.
Contact
Phone: 86 25 50
