Welcome to Arktikum. We are a science center and museum where you can deepen your knowledge of the north, see and experience the history and nature of Finnish Lapland up close, and learn more about the arctic region and its special features. We here at Arktikum: the Arctic Center of the University of Lapland and the Regional Museum of Lapland, work on behalf of the north by increasing understanding, provoking ideas and opening discussion.

Arktikum is roughly divided into two halves. If you stand with your back to the main entrance, the ticket office and the shop, and you look towards the end of the glass tube and the river, the Arctic Science Center's exhibition is located on two floors to your left. On your right are the exhibitions of the Regional Museum of Lapland; above is a temporary exhibition and the Petsamo hall, and below is a permanent exhibition.

The Arktikum house was designed by the Danish Architect Office under the leadership of Claus Bonderup. The glass tube with exhibition and office spaces was completed in 1992. The curved front part of the building, where you enter, and where Arktikum Café and the exhibition space of the University of Lapland are now located, was completed in 1997.

Arktikum's glass tube is 172 meters long. At the end there is a magnificent view of Ounasjoki flowing from the northwest. The architects' idea was to build the Exhibition Rooms underground, which was inspired by how animals in the northern region seek safety and warmth under the snow in winter. Arktikum's building and tube are built in a south-north direction, with the main entrance in the south and the end of the opening to the north. There are roughly 1,000 pieces of two-square-meter special panes in the glass tube.

Arktikum is an iconic symbol of Rovaniemi and a popular place to visit. In addition to the Regional Museum of Lapland and the Arctic Center of the University of Lapland, there is a restaurant, a library and a museum shop. Many different events, meetings and parties are organized in Arktikum.

We’re so glad that you also got to visit us here at Arktikum. We hope you enjoy your visit and learn more information and insights about Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region!