Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum
The Arctic University Museum of Norway (Tromsø Museum) displays nature, Sámi culture and cultural history from Northern Norway in permanent exhibitions, with a café and museum shop.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1872 and is the oldest scientific institution in Northern Norway. It communicates knowledge about nature, culture, history and society in the north, and it is one of six national university museums with tasks in research, the preservation of scientific collections, communication and teaching.
The museum is located at Lars Thørings veg 10, about 2.5 kilometres south of Tromsø city centre. The Arctic University Museum of Norway includes four visitor sites: the museum itself, Polarmuseet, MS Polstjerna and Tromsø arctic-alpine botanic garden. Together the sites receive around 200,000 guests a year.
The permanent exhibitions in the main building include Sámi cultural history, geology, natural history, northern lights research and church art from old churches in Northern Norway.
Highlights
- The exhibitions “Samekulturen” (“Sámi Culture”) and “Sápmi – en nasjon blir til” (“Sápmi – A Nation Is Born”)
- TellUs, a geological exhibition about the history of the Earth
- Under lyset (“Under the Light”) on northern lights research
- Church art from old churches in Northern Norway
- Café Rotunden and museum shop
Permanent exhibitions
- Sápmi – en nasjon blir til – Exhibition on the emergence of the modern Sámi movement.
- Samekulturen – Development of Sámi culture from the oldest sources up to the 20th century.
- TellUs – Geological exhibition on the history of the Earth, from stardust to modern technology.
- Founded
- 1872
- Operated by
- UiT Norges arktiske universitet
- Visitors per year
- approx. 91,004
Admission & discounts
| Adults | NOK 130 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | NOK 100Students, conscripts and seniors (honnør) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free for children under 18 |
| Seniors | NOK 100Senior (honnør) |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · A companion with documentation has free admission. |
| Students & apprentices | NOK 100Students at UiT have free admission. |
| Groups (10+ people) | NOK 100 per personPer person |
| Museum pass (1 year, 1 adult) | NOK 500Gives free admission for the holder and one extra guest with an ordinary ticket. |
Free admission also for holders of the Opplevelseskortet, plus one companion or adult, and for people who inform visitors about activities in Tromsø.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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 visitor parking on the right-hand side of the museum has two spaces for people with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Tromsø Museum
Bus line 40 stops at “Tromsø Museum”; bus line 33 stops at Telegrafbukta, about 300 metres away. Bus tickets are not sold at the museum. Journey planner: the Svipper app.
By car
Paid parking
Visitor parking on the right-hand side of the museum. Payment with the EasyPark app or at a machine about 50 metres away.
- Accessible parking
Bicycle racks at the main entrance and a ski cloakroom.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Café Rotunden: self-service Monday–Saturday and a staffed café on Sunday 12:00–15:30. The museum shop is open during the museum's opening hours and can be visited without a museum ticket. Ski cloakroom and bicycle racks at the main entrance.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours of the Sámi exhibitions every Friday at 13:00 from September 2026 to May 2027, with some exceptions; booked at booking@tmu.uit.no or by phone on +47 77 64 50 01. The audio guide “Skjulte skatter” (“Hidden Treasures”) for smartphones presents selected objects and stories. |
