Polaria

About the museum

Polaria opened in May 1998 and is considered the world’s northernmost aquarium. The centre lies on the outskirts of Tromsø city centre and is run by Stiftelsen Polaria, a non-profit foundation that uses its income for animal welfare, exhibitions, outreach and maintenance. Its aim is to make knowledge about the Arctic, climate and the marine environment accessible to the public, and Polaria cooperates with Framsenteret (the Fram Centre).

The aquarium displays fish, shellfish and plants from the sea around Tromsø and Svalbard, including wolffish (steinbit), halibut (kveite), king crab and small sharks. Three species live in the seal pool: the bearded seals (storkobbe) Bella, Mai San and Vlad, the harbour seals (steinkobbe) Loffen, Lyra and Leo, and the ringed seal Junior. Seal training and feeding take place three times a day.

The exhibitions “Arktis i endring” and “Hvordan vet vi?” are interactive and were developed together with researchers from Framsenteret. They show how climate change affects animals, ecosystems and people in the north, and how researchers collect and interpret data. The panorama cinema shows three films on a 21-metre-wide screen about Svalbard, the northern lights and life behind the scenes at Polaria.

Highlights

• Seal pool with bearded seals, harbour seals and a ringed seal
• Arctic aquarium with species from Tromsø and Svalbard
• Exhibitions “Arktis i endring” and “Hvordan vet vi?”
• Panorama cinema with a 21-metre-wide screen
• Seal training three times a day

Permanent exhibitions

• Arktis i endring – Interactive, research-based exhibition on climate change and environmental challenges in the Arctic, developed together with researchers from Framsenteret.
• Hvordan vet vi? – Interactive exhibition in which visitors take on the role of an Arctic researcher and explore the methods used to collect and analyse data.
• Akvariet og selbassenget – Fish, shellfish and plants from the sea around Tromsø and Svalbard, and a seal pool with three seal species.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Stiftelsen Polaria

Admission & discounts

The entrance ticket is valid on the chosen date for the whole opening time and gives access to the exhibitions, the aquarium, the panorama cinema and seal feeding. Member discount tickets are available from Coop Nord, iTromsø and Ishavskraft. Payment is possible by card or cash in NOK; euros are not accepted.

Accessibility

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

Wheelchair-friendly ramps in the building and a lift in the aquarium up to the seal pool. One wheelchair can be borrowed free of charge. Guide dogs are allowed with valid documentation; other pets are not admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Polaria suits all age groups and families. The Junior Aquarist programme (ages 8–13) gives two hours as an aquarist. Changing room by the seal pool and accessible toilet with changing table.

Getting there & parking

Polaria lies on the outskirts of the city centre, about a five-minute walk from the Tourist Information along the quay.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Gift shop Smelt by the exit. Open cloakroom and some lockable lockers for bags and suitcases.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit