Siida – The Sámi Museum and Nature Centre – A Window into Sámi Culture and Arctic Nature
Siida – The Sámi Museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre are located in the town of Inari, Finnish Lapland. Our exhibitions and events are a window into the north: we guide our visitors through the ancient and vibrant Sámi culture and arctic nature. Sámi Museum Siida is the national museum of the Finnish Sámi population and a national specialised museum. Nature Centre Siida is one of the most popular of 19 nature centres maintained by Metsähallitus.
Our permanent exhibition links Sámi culture and northern nature in one exhibition experience, which provides a visual experiences that appeal to many senses as well as an abundance of information. The Sámi Museum and the Nature Centre have worked together to produce the permanent exhibition.
Siida’s permanent exhibition is in two sections: an introductory exhibition which outlines the region’s history and helps explain its present, and the main exhibition which features interwoven sections on Northern Lapland’s nature and Sámi culture. Its themes deal with the strategies needed to survive in extreme conditions, as well as the evolution of Sámi ethnicity and modern identity. The objective is not to give visitors a detailed lesson, but to allow them to sense and feel what it is like to be Sámi and the spirit of the Sámi Homeland.
Siida’s Open-Air Museum showcases the cultural heritage, architectural heritage and livelihoods of the Finnish Sámi. The Open-Air Museum is open from 1st of June to 30th of September, at the same hours as Siida. At other times you can visit the area if weather conditions permit, but the buildings are closed.
The Sámi Museum also operates at the Skolt Sámi Cultural Centre in Sevettijärvi. You can learn about Skolt Sámi culture and history at the Skolt Sámi Heritage House and on its grounds. It is open from June 10th to September 20th, every day from 10am to 5pm. Admission to the Heritage House is free.
Museum and Nature Shop Siida is a perfect addition to your visit. There’s a versatile range of products related to the Sami culture and nature in Lapland, including Sámi handicrafts, such as Duodya, gift items, jewelry, textiles, music and maps.
Customer Service at Nature Centre Siida provides answers to questions related to hiking, travel, permits and licences in Lapland’s most northern areas the municipalities of Inari and Utsjoki. The municipality of Inari’s tourist information point located in Customer Service of Nature Centre Siida.
The pleasant restaurant Sarrit serves customers on the second floor of Siida.
Siida will be renewed
The 1998 opened Siida building will be expanded and renovated. Renovation includes the Sámi Museum Collections Unit and the restaurant. The joint permanent exhibition of the Sámi Museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre will also be renewed. Siida will remain open throughout the renewal. The renovated Siida and the new exhibition will open in April 2022.
