The Arctic Centre “Arktikum”. – is a scientific center dedicated to the study of northern regions and a museum dedicated to the history, traditions and culture of northern peoples. Today it is one of the main attractions of Rovaniemi, located near the city center on the picturesque banks of the river Ounasjoki. Interestingly, the main expositions are located in special rooms underground, while the ground part is designed for temporary exhibitions.

The museum was opened in 1992, the 75th anniversary of independence. Initially it was located in one of the old buildings, but in 1997 a new one was built especially for it. The design was done by well-known Finnish architects Lehtipalo and Bonderup.
The center is a true architectural masterpiece – it has a stone semi-circle shape from which a 172-meter glass “caterpillar-gallery” leads to the viewing platform near the river, where you can watch the stunning sunsets and sunrises in the summer and the Northern Lights in winter. By the way, this tunnel is called the “portal to the Arctic”.

What to see
The basis of the exposition are three major exhibitions. The first – “Northern Crafts” – introduces guests to everyday items, musical instruments, fishing gear, kayaks and the national clothes of the locals. “Rovaniemi Fair” tells about the history of the city and the most popular fair in the early 20th century, where fur, gold and timber were traded. Here tourists also learn about the history of Saami reindeer herding. The exhibition “Changing Arctic” is dedicated to the nature of the Arctic Circle. There is an ice cave, an Arctic river, and presents the achievements of the “Arcticum” in scientific research activities.

All the exhibits are supplemented with maps, photo collages, dioramas, and miniature copies. You can watch mini-movies and listen to audio recordings of voices of northern animals; some objects are allowed to touch hands, for example, ice cone in the hall of Eskimo life.

For those who want to see the northern lights and beautiful landscapes there is a “Polar Theater” with three-dimensional media presentations, and for inquisitive visitors a library with books about the history and culture of the region, scientific and legal works about the problems of the North, books and articles about reindeer breeding.

There are photo exhibitions of Arctic landscapes, forest industry and snowmobiles, a restaurant, a café and a souvenir store with handicrafts.