Arktikum Museum & Arctic Science Centre

Arktikum is a science center and museum that lets you experience northern nature, culture, and history up close. Housing the University of Lapland’s Arctic Center and the Regional Museum of Lapland, Arktikum stimulates thought, encourages debate, and provides a deeper understanding of the Arctic.

Arktikum exhibitions lead guests on an adventure through Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region. The review of the history of Finnish Lapland spans from Rovaniemi to Upper Lapland and from prehistory to about the 1970s. The Arctic region is examined in light of the Arctic research of today and that planned for the future. The exhibitions provide a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of Lapland as well as of Arctic knowledge.

Arktikum is located on the bank of River Ounasjoki at the intersection of two main roads leading out of the centre of Rovaniemi.

In the foregrounds of Arktikum, along the shoreline of the Ounasjoki River, resides an Arctic garden and one of Rovaniemi’s most picturesqe parks. Situated on about seven hectares, and spanning a small island, this arboretum park boasts a scenic location along the banks of the Ounasjoki River. The Arktikum Beach Park displays a variery of species of plants and alpine vegetation that have uniquely adapted to survive the harsh nothern climate of Lapland and the Arctic.

The Arctic garden is maintained by the University of Lapland. Additionally, here you will find copies of ancient runestones and runic symbols, as well as sculptor and artist Risto Immonen’s ”Nätti-Jussi”; inspired by the legendary woodcutter and lumberjack Johan Viktor Nätti (1890 – 1964).