The Arctic University Museum of Norway

About us

The Arctic University Museum of Norway offers science-based exhibitions that explore the nature, culture and history of Northern Norway and the Arctic.

From fossils and rocks to wildlife and a changing natural environment, the exhibitions «TellUs» and «UNnaturally» explore the history of our planet and how animals and birds have evolved and adapted to life in the North. Highlights include an ichthyosaur fossil, a whale skeleton and a nugget of solid gold.

Explore the fascinating Northern Lights in the interactive exhibition «Under the Lights». Learn how the aurora occurs, discover the history of Northern Lights research and explore the myths and stories that have surrounded the phenomenon for generations. The exhibition also looks at space weather and how solar activity can affect navigation systems, power supplies and other modern infrastructure.

The museum also presents several exhibitions about Sámi history, culture and society. «Sápmi – Becoming a Nation» explores the development of the modern Sámi movement and the struggle for cultural and political rights. «Rávdnji – The Strong Current» highlights Sámi heritage in the Tromsø area, including Coastal Sámi culture, connections between the coast and inland areas, and the consequences of Norwegianisation and changing national borders.

The exhibition «Dig a Grave, Bury a Boat» explores boat burials from the Viking Age in Northern Norway. Through archaeological finds from several graves, the exhibition provides insight into burial traditions, boatbuilding and the lives and beliefs of people who lived in the region more than a thousand years ago.

You can also explore a collection of medieval and 18th-century art from churches in Northern Norway. The objects offer insights into both religious traditions and everyday life in the region.

The museum shop offers a selection of gifts, books and products related to Northern Norway and the Arctic.

At Café Rotunden, you can buy coffee, tea, soft drinks and a selection of snacks. The café is self-service Monday to Saturday, while it is staffed for part of the day on Sundays.