About the Museum
Siida is the national museum of the Finnish Sámi people, located in the village of Inari, deep in Finnish Lapland, 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. The museum provides a profound and respectful introduction to Sámi culture, history, and the stunning Arctic nature that has shaped their way of life for thousands of years.
Completely renovated and reopened in 2022, Siida's new building blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape with its wooden architecture inspired by traditional Sámi building techniques. The museum combines indoor exhibitions with an extensive open-air museum featuring historical buildings and reconstructions.
Siida also houses the Nature Centre of Metsähallitus, which presents the unique ecosystems of Finnish Lapland, from ancient forests to fell highlands, and the diverse wildlife that calls this region home.
Collection Highlights
- Sámi cultural exhibition — Traditional clothing, crafts (duodji), and sacred objects
- Arctic nature exhibition — Interactive displays on Lapland's ecosystems and seasons
- Open-air museum — Historical Sámi dwellings and structures in a forest setting
- Reindeer herding culture — The central role of reindeer in Sámi life
- Contemporary Sámi art — Works by modern indigenous artists
The Sámi People
The Sámi are the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia and Finland, with a culture stretching back over 10,000 years. In Finland, there are approximately 10,000 Sámi people, most of whom live in the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari, Sodankylä, and Utsjoki. Siida serves as a vital institution for preserving and sharing this ancient living culture.