Arktikum

About the museum

Arktikum stands on the bank of the River Ounasjoki in Rovaniemi. The building houses the Lapin maakuntamuseo (Lapland Provincial Museum) and the Arktinen keskus (Arctic Centre) of the University of Lapland, which was founded in 1989. The building was taken into use in December 1992 and opened to the public on Independence Day. Its best-known feature is a 172-metre-long glass tube that is visible above ground.

The exhibitions of the Lapland Provincial Museum tell of the culture and history of Lapland and Peräpohjola. The science centre exhibition of the Arctic Centre presents the Arctic region and its contrasts. The exhibition Vastakohtien Arktis (The Arctic of Contrasts) was renewed and reopened in December 2024.

Arktikum also has a restaurant and café, a museum shop, and meeting and event spaces.

Highlights

• Pohjoiset keinot (Northern Means) – basic exhibition of the Lapland Provincial Museum
• Vastakohtien Arktis (The Arctic of Contrasts) science centre exhibition
• Suomi jäämeren rannalla (Finland on the shore of the Arctic Ocean) – the history of Petsamo
• 172-metre glass tube
• Free digital visitor guide in 28 languages

Permanent exhibitions

• Pohjoiset keinot – The basic exhibition of the Lapland Provincial Museum tells of the history of Lapland, its people, the northern nature and its animals.
• Vastakohtien Arktis – The science centre exhibition takes visitors to the Arctic region and presents its contrasts.
• Suomi jäämeren rannalla – The exhibition tells of the Petsamo area, which belonged to Finland from 1920 to 1944, and of its place in Finnish history.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Lapin maakuntamuseo ja Arktinen keskus (Lapin yliopisto)

Admission & discounts

Entry is free with the Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) and the Kaikukortti; the Museokortti can be bought at the Arktikum ticket desk. The admission ticket does not include a guided tour. Smartum, Edenred and ePassi benefits are also accepted as payment.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main door has a threshold, and on the left side of the door there is an electric opening button. The heavy exhibition doors can be difficult to open, so bringing an assistant is recommended. Lifts are in the corridors on both sides. A wheelchair can be borrowed from the information desk. Accessible toilets are on the upper corridor. The exhibition spaces have no induction loop, but the Polarium hall does; the hall has no separate wheelchair spaces. The routes from the pavement and the car park to the inner courtyard are quite steep. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome; other pets are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The baby-changing room is on the right after the ticket desk and shop; it also serves as a first-aid room. A limited number of pushchairs and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the information desk. Running is not allowed in the exhibitions.

Getting there & parking

Arktikum is on the E4 road when driving north. Coming from the south, you pass two city junctions and go under the tunnel of the Revontuli shopping centre; take the third junction towards Kittilä, and signs lead to Arktikum. Coming from the north, take the first junction into town and follow the signs to the car parks.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Arktikum Café serves lunch, and Arktikum Shop sells gifts. Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors. Near the ticket desk and information point there are free coat hooks and lockable cabinets; larger luggage can be left in a separate room.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Meetings and conferences are held in the building; event bookings: myynti@arktikum.fi.

Plan your visit