Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Center
Lappi
Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Center, located in Inari village in Finnish Lapland, is a nationally recognized museum dedicated to Sámi culture and the natural environment of the region. Established originally as the Inari Sámi Museum in 1959 and reopened in its current form in 1998, Siida serves as a cultural hub preserving and presenting the heritage, traditions, and contemporary life of the Sámi people. The museum's main exhibition, "Enâmeh láá mii párnááh – These Lands Are Our Children," explores the inseparable connection between Sámi culture and the northern landscape shaped over millions of years. Siida also features a seven-hectare open-air museum with nearly 50 sites including traditional log buildings, portable huts, storage structures, boats, and sledges, offering visitors an immersive experience of Sámi livelihoods and architecture. The museum's new building was designed by renowned architect Juhani Pallasmaa. Siida acts as a national and regional responsibility museum for Sámi cultural heritage, supporting scientific research, cultural identity, and collaboration with sister museums in other Nordic countries and Russia. In 2024, Siida was honored as the European Museum of the Year and Finland's Museum of the Year, reflecting its significance as a vibrant center for Sámi culture and Arctic nature.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Siida is during the summer months when the open-air museum is fully accessible and the midnight sun enhances the experience. It is advisable to check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events, as well as opening hours. Tickets can be purchased online to avoid queues, and discounts are available for groups, students, and children. Guided tours are recommended to gain deeper insights into Sámi culture and the exhibits. Winter visits offer a unique perspective on Sámi life amid snowy landscapes, but some outdoor areas may be less accessible.
Faits intéressants
- •Siida was named European Museum of the Year and Finland's Museum of the Year in 2024.
- •The open-air museum area covers seven hectares with almost 50 traditional Sámi structures.
- •The museum's name 'Siida' means a Sámi village or reindeer herding community in Northern Sámi language.
- •Archaeological finds at the site date back 6000–2000 years, revealing continuous habitation since the Stone Age.
- •Siida is part of the global network of indigenous museums, connecting Sámi culture with other indigenous peoples worldwide.
Histoire
Siida originated as the Inari Sámi Museum in 1959, founded by the Sámi association Samii Litto to collect and preserve Sámi cultural artifacts and buildings.
The museum opened to the public in 1963 as a summer-only attraction and quickly became one of Lapland's most popular destinations.
In 1986, the Sámi Museum Foundation took over operations, expanding the museum's scope and collections.
The current Siida building was completed in 1998, designed by architect Juhani Pallasmaa.
In 1999, Siida was designated a national special museum, and in 2020 it became a national responsibility museum for Sámi culture.
In 2025, all exhibition activities were unified under the Sámi Museum Foundation after Metsähallitus ended its nature center operations, further consolidating Siida's role as a cultural institution.
Guide du lieu
Main Exhibition: Enâmeh láá mii párnááh – These Lands Are Our Children1998
This permanent exhibition interprets the Sámi cultural landscape concept, emphasizing the inseparable link between nature and culture shaped over millions of years. It showcases Sámi traditions, identity, and the environment through artifacts, stories, and contemporary perspectives.
Open-Air Museum1960 onwards
A seven-hectare outdoor area featuring nearly 50 traditional Sámi buildings and structures including log houses, portable huts (kota and laavu), turf buildings, storage constructions, boats, and sledges. Visitors can walk an 800-meter trail to explore these heritage sites, experiencing Sámi traditional livelihoods and architecture.
Siida Museum Building1998
The museum's main building was designed by Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa, known for his humanistic and sensory approach to architecture. The building harmonizes with the surrounding landscape and provides modern facilities for exhibitions and research.
Contact
Téléphone: 040 0898212