Arktikum
Lappi
Located on the banks of the Ounasjoki River in Rovaniemi, Arktikum serves as both a museum and a scientific research center dedicated to the Arctic region. Opened in 1992, its striking architecture features a 172-meter-long glass corridor symbolizing a gateway to the North. The museum houses the Lapland Provincial Museum and the Arctic Centre, offering exhibitions that explore the natural environment, indigenous Sami culture, and the history of Lapland. The "Northern Ways" exhibition highlights survival in the harsh Arctic conditions, local wildlife, and the history of Rovaniemi. The "Changing Arctic" exhibition presents interactive displays on Arctic nature, cultures, and climate change, based on ongoing research. Arktikum also functions as a conference venue and a hub for multidisciplinary Arctic studies conducted by the University of Lapland. Its engaging and educational exhibits make it a must-visit destination for those interested in the Arctic's unique environment and peoples.
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Tip: The best time to visit Arktikum is during the open hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended, especially for group visits. The museum accepts the Museum Card, which offers discounted access. Guided tours and a digital visitor guide enhance the experience. Visitors can enjoy northern flavors at the café. School groups can visit free of charge after prior arrangement. Check the official website for updates on exhibitions and special events.
Interesting facts
- •The building features a 172-meter-long glass corridor, the most visible architectural element, symbolizing a gateway to the Arctic.
- •Arktikum combines a museum, science center, and conference venue all in one location.
- •The Arctic Centre conducts international multidisciplinary research on Arctic environment, society, and climate change.
- •The museum's "Northern Ways" exhibition educates visitors about Sami culture and Lapland’s natural environment.
- •In 2015, the Lapland Provincial Museum recorded over 91,000 visitors, indicating its popularity.
- •The Arctic science exhibition is undergoing a renovation to increase interactivity and digital content, reopening in December 2024.
History
Arktikum was inaugurated on December 2, 1992, to serve as a museum and research center focusing on Lapland and the Arctic.
It hosts the Lapland Provincial Museum, established to preserve and present the culture and history of the region, and the Arctic Centre, founded in 1989 by the University of Lapland for Arctic research.
The building's iconic glass corridor symbolizes a passage to the North and has become a landmark in Rovaniemi.
The center has continuously evolved, with exhibitions updated to incorporate new scientific findings and interactive technology, including a major renovation of the Arctic science exhibition scheduled to reopen in December 2024.
Place Guide
Glass Corridor1992
This 172-meter-long glass corridor is the signature architectural feature of Arktikum, offering panoramic views and symbolizing the gateway to the Arctic region.
Northern Ways Exhibition
An exhibition dedicated to the culture and history of Lapland and the Sami people, showcasing survival techniques, wildlife, and local history.
Changing Arctic Exhibition
A science-based exhibition presenting Arctic nature, cultures, and adaptation to extreme conditions, featuring interactive and digital elements.
Arctic Centre Research Facility1989
An international multidisciplinary research institute studying Arctic development, environment, society, and climate change, affiliated with the University of Lapland.
Contact
Phone: 016 3223260
