Tromsø Museum. Photo: Adnan Icagic (c) Tromsø University Museum

What's there to see at Tromsø Museum?

Whether you prefer insects or indigenous people, Gothic sculpture or geology, Tromsø Museum will provide you with fascinating facts on nature and culture in Northern Norway. Our collections are very varied, and the many temporary exhibitions means there is always something new for you to discover.

Tromsø Museum is a university museum, and our exhibitions are mainly based on thorough and recent research, very often incorporating the latest news from the world of science.

 

Learn about the indigenous Sami people, their traditional culture and recent history

In two comprehensive exhibitions, Tromsø Museum show how the Sami people have mastered the art of surviving in the cold conditions of Northern Norway and established themselves as an indigenous people in modern-day Scandinavia.

A Sami travelling with his reindeer. From the exhibition of Sami Culture.  Photo: Mari Karlstad (c) Tromsø University Museum

Sami culture 

This exhibition presents the traditional life of the Sami people. Starting with the hunting community around 200AD, the exhibition shows the transition to a nomadic way of life. The reindeer herding, the migration routes and the dwellings are presented, as well as a multitude of Sami clothing and crafts. Ancient Sami mythology, with shamans and their magic drums can be seen, and you may listen to samples of traditional Sami joik. Once a magic chanting, joik is today widely popular as ethnical music.

 

A wrecked road sign in the exhibition. Why do some Sami not want to be Sami?  Photo: Mari Karlstad (c) Tromsø University Museum

 

Sápmi - becoming a nation

After having seen the old Sami culture, take a look at the Samis of the 20th century. Long oppressed by Norwegian authorities, the Sami started to organize to gain influence on their own society. This exhibition tells the story of how the Samis raised from an ignored minority to a self-conscious indigenous people with their own cultural institutions and a Sami parliament. Here you can get to know the Sami people of today face to face through interactive video interviews.

All texts are found in English as well as Norwegian.

In addition to our exhibitions, we offer literature and a website in English for those who are keen to learn more about the Sami. Visit the website by clicking here.

 

 

Find out about Arctic wildlife and how human interaction changes Nature

A sheep trying to escape a lynx.                                                      Photo: Adnan Icagic.

Our largest indoor exhibition, UNaturally,  focuses on natural and man-made changes in Nature. After being greeted by our old sibling, the Homo erectus, you can compare natural and artificial selection, meeting the ancestor of all dogs, for instance. Compare bird and human behaviour in terms of finding a partner, and look into seasonal changes among migratory bird populations.

It’s hard to miss the nine metres long whale skeleton that makes up the centrepiece of the exhibition, take your time to enjoy the special lighting with ever-changing colours which almost makes the skeleton come to life. Beyond the skeleton, the exhibition raises many questions about how humans are responsible for changes in Nature, some quick, other slow, but in the end effecting not only plants and animals, but also mankind.

The exhibition includes many marvels for children, as well as a play&learn-area. All texts are found in English as well as Norwegian.

 

The fossil called "Øgli" is nearly six meters long! Photo: Adnan Icagic (c) Tromsø University Museum

Imagine life millions of years ago through fossils and a life-size dinosaur model

A huge fossil from Spistbergen, called "Øgli", is the largest Ichthyosaur ever found in Norway. Yet not completely identified, you can see the real fossil, rescued from erosion and now in Tromsø Museum. 

The geological exhibition also has beautiful minerals from Northern Norway on display, and even meteorites. A larger section called “Rocks of the north” presents building stones and ornamental stones.

One exhibit deals with the registration of earthquakes, where you can make your own quake too! A full scale model of an Iguanodon dinosaur is found in the centre of the exhibition, a true favourite with the younger visitors!

 

Discover treasures from the Stone Age and Viking era

Ever since tha last Ice Age, people have inhabited the coast of Norway, all the way to the North. Not surprising, then, to find traces of civilisation even on the tiny island Melkøya near Hammerfest. The results of an excessive excavation there 2003-2006 forms the basis for out exhibition "Focus on Fire", where we present primitive dwelling houses and the use of fire for many purposes. Do not miss the jewel of the exhibition: A 3,000 years old chewing gum!

In the Viking and Middle ages exhibition you may enter a longhouse to get a close look at the everyday life of the Vikings. The change from Norse to Christian religion is presented, and you can get to know some of an archaeologist’s working methods.

 

Gothic triptych from Andenes, ca . 1500.  Photo: Mari Karlstad (c) Tromsø University Museum.

Seek the beauty of medieval church art

A medieval triptych and sculptures from churches in Northern Norway are displayed in the smaller of the Ecclastastical Art galleries. Most of the medieval art is made in Germany, a memory of the close connection between Norway and Germany through the Hansa League in the medieval times.

The larger gallery contains art from the Lutheran era, where many objects are made locally in Norway, with great diversity of designs and quality. Nevertheless, these objects tell fascinating stories showing the importance of religion for the people of the past.

All texts are found in English as well as Norwegian.

 

Make your own Aurora! Photo: Per Helge Nylund (c) Tromsø University Museum.

Create your own Northern Lights 

The exhibition "The Aurora explained" tells you how the northern lights (Aurora borealis) comes about. Learn how Norwegian physicist Kristian Birkeland (1867-1917) found out how the Lights are formed. His famous "terrella" experiment is reconstructed in the exhibition, and you may try it yourself.

In our plasma chamber you may to create your very own Aurora. Sorry, you cannot take it home - but a you are welcome to make a photo!

All texts are found in English as well as Norwegian.

 

 

• Café Rotunden offers light meals and refresments

• Well-stocked gift and science shop

 

The museum is beautifully located on the southern tip of the Tromsø island, near the recreational grounds of Folkeparken and the bay Telegrafbukta. Parking is free, and the exhibitions are accessible for wheelchair users.