Arktiska museet Nanoq

About the museum

The Arktiska museet Nanoq (Nanoq Arctic Museum) opened in Jakobstad in June 1991 as Finland’s first Arctic museum. The name Nanoq is Greenlandic and means polar bear. The museum is run by the non-profit association Nanoq rf, and its operations depend on visitor income.

The museum lies in the middle of the forest at Fäboda, surrounded by peaceful nature, and consists of a large main building that imitates a turf house, as well as several smaller cabins, each with its own history. At Nanoq visitors can get to know Arctic cultures, history and nature, and hear stories of famous expeditions to the North and South Poles.

The museum’s director, Pentti Kronqvist, a retired fire chief and polar explorer from Jakobstad, has completed twelve Arctic expeditions, the first to Greenland in 1971.

Highlights

• Finland’s first Arctic museum
• Main building that imitates a turf house
• Cabins such as the church Avannaata Ulloria, the Polar Bear Researcher’s Cabin and the Gold Washer’s Cabin
• Goichman’s gallery
• Smoke sauna and a hiking trail in the forest
• Guided tours on Arctic expeditions and cultural encounters

Permanent exhibitions

• Huvudbyggnaden – Exhibitions on Arctic cultures, history and nature, and stories of expeditions to the North and South Poles, in a building that imitates a turf house.
• Goichmans galleri – Gallery with works by the brain surgeon, adventurer and artist Wladimir Goichman.
• Stugorna på museiområdet – Several smaller cabins, including the church Avannaata Ulloria, the Polar Bear Researcher’s Cabin, the Gold Washer’s Cabin and the Storstugan (Large Cabin), each tell their own story.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Nanoq rf

Admission & discounts

The admission ticket includes parking, access to the museum grounds and the children’s adventure. Nanoq is not a Museikortet (Finnish Museum Card) venue. Members of the association enter free of charge.

Accessibility

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

The museum lies in the middle of the forest, and the terrain is natural, with slippery stones, roots and wet ground. In places it is difficult or impossible to move by wheelchair, but the main path is usually passable, and an accompanying assistant is recommended. The lower floor of the main building, Goichman’s gallery, the café, the lavvu (Sámi tent) and the church are accessible by wheelchair (wheelchair ramp at the church by prior notice). The toilets are not classified as accessible, but they have room for turning a wheelchair. Staff can drive guests from the car park up to the museum by prior arrangement.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The children’s adventure is included in the admission, and the Museiklubben (Museum Club) for children in grades 3–6 meets one Saturday a month. Interactive museum experiences, such as lighting a fire with a flint, can be combined with the guided tour. Children below school age enter free of charge. One of the toilets has a potty.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at Fäboda in Jakobstad, about four kilometres from the sea.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café on the museum grounds; for groups, refreshments are arranged through local catering firms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

The museum hall in the main building holds at most 45–50 people; the smoke sauna can be hired for at most 15 people. The whole museum grounds can also be hired.

Plan your visit