The Arktikum Museum is located in the center of Rovaniemi and showcases the nature, culture, and history of the Finnish Arctic.
It opened in 1992 and is now one of the most important exhibition spaces in Finland.
The most iconic feature of the Arktikum is the 172-meter-long glass tunnel that extends toward the Ounasjoki River. It is designed to take advantage of natural light and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Arctic landscape.
The museum is divided into two main sections: the Arctic Science Center and the Lapland Museum.
Arctic Science Center illustrates the contrasts of the Arctic seasons, from the polar night to the midnight sun, with interactive and multimedia installations.
The Lapland Museum explores local history and Sami culture, focusing on the reconstruction of Rovaniemi after World War II.
The section dedicated to Arctic nature is particularly impressive, with specimens of animals that inhabit these lands, such as polar bears, wolves, reindeer, and moose.
Another highlight of the museum is the section dedicated to Sami culture. The Sami are an indigenous people of Lapland, with a centuries-old tradition linked to nature, hunting, and reindeer herding. In the museum, you can discover their history through traditional objects, clothing, tools, and photographs that tell the story of their struggle to preserve their cultural identity.
The museum also features a room dedicated to the Aurora Borealis, where you can watch projections explaining the science behind this natural phenomenon.
