Three culture and science centers in Rovaniemi

Experience the arctic way of life through the lens of scientists and artists.

Rovaniemi is home to three impressive culture and science centres: Arktikum Science Center and Museum, Korundi House of Culture, and Science Center Pilke. Experience exhibitions that portray the history, way of life, and contemporary art in the Arctic. All the buildings are worth a visit for their architecture alone. To combine a visit for all of these, check out the Culture Pass, a 7-day multi-entry access pass.

1. Arktikum Science Center and Museum

Arktikum is a science center and museum that lets you experience northern nature, culture, and history up close. In the center’s multiple rooms and several floors of exhibitions, the visitors’ eyes open to the extraordinary life in the north.

Learn how the war affected Rovaniemi and Lapland, what are the unique characteristics of the northern livelihood and reindeer herding, what are the stories and scientific facts behind the Northern Lights, and much more.

The centre houses the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland. The exhibitions portray life in the north, the changes the Arctic faces, and the natural phenomena that make up the Arctic.

Arktikum is also known for its architectural value. It has an impressive 172-meter-long structure, and the most spectacular component is its partially underground glass tube.

Arktikum: what, when, where, for whom?

A gateway to understanding life in the Arctic. Permanent and temporary changing exhibitions. In Arktikum one can also enjoy a delicious lunch and do some quality shopping.

“Your introduction to life in the north – Arktikum focuses on Arctic issues and the history and culture of Lapland.”

We recommend you start your visit to Rovaniemi and Lapland here. After the visit, you’ll be able to enjoy and understand the Arctic surroundings better. Don’t leave the visit just for a rainy day, Arktikum is a must. Open year-round.

Walking distance from the city center, next to the Ounasjoki river.

Tip! Remember to visit the 7-hectare size Arctic arboretum.

Everyone visiting Rovaniemi and Arctic Circle. Works for individuals, small groups, children and families, as well as larger groups. One can also book a tour with a guide.

2. Korundi House of Culture

Korundi Shop in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Contemporary art, live music, café and shop, and a meeting point of old and new. Korundi House of Culture is home to Rovaniemi Art Museum and Lapland Chamber Orchestra. Korundi House of Culture has also architectural value. It is one of the oldest buildings in Rovaniemi as it survived the Second World War while most of Rovaniemi was destroyed.

Korundi’s notable museum collection presented in changing theme exhibitions offers a great overview of Finnish contemporary art. High quality visiting exhibitions from all around the Arctic give a comprehensive view of the visual creativity of the northern regions.

Lapland Chamber Orchestra is the northernmost professional chamber orchestra in the entire EU. Led by artistic director John Storgards the orchestra is known for energetic performances, high quality and open-minded choices of music. Korundi’s concert hall functions gig venue for other performers as well.

In Korundi Kitchen and Café one will be in awe of their delicacies – a superb place to stop for lunch while exploring the culture scene. Korundi Shop offers carefully selected local items and design to take home.

Korundi: what, when, where, for whom?

Contemporary art in one of the oldest buildings – the old mail truck depot – of Rovaniemi. Chamber Orchestra concerts, and a venue for other concerts as well, with beautiful acoustics in an intimate concert space.

“Discover alternative and daring northern perspectives through contemporary art.”

To extinguish art thirst. Exhibitions are open year-round, Lapland Chamber Orchestra concerts are held at the Korundi Hall during spring and autumn seasons.

Walking distance from the center, towards the railway station

Art lovers and anyone interested in knowing and understanding Finnish and Arctic contemporary art.

Tip! Book an art workshop and let creativity flow! The package includes a guided tour for your group, an art workshop, supervision, and materials. Minimum. 10 pers.

3. Science Centre Pilke

See the forest like you’ve never seen it before. Not your traditional exhibition – rather than viewing, in Pilke all visitors are invited to touch, make, and explore!

Get behind the wheel of a forestry machine, climb into a bird house and sing karaoke on an ant hill. Find all the timber components used to build the largest single item on display at Pilke, the timberframed Pilke House!

Did you know that for some people, forests are their “office”? That the forests are a rich source of new materials and innovations? A habitat for plants and animals? And an important part of Finnish culture?

Pilke: what, when, where, for whom?

Interesting knowledge and fun hands-on experiences in the world of the forests and wood.

“Explore northern forests and the use of wood in fun and exciting ways.”

For a fun day with kids! On a day you want to combine indoors, learning, and having fun. On an off-day from nature and outdoor activities. On a rainy day when you want to experience something new. Open year-round.

Walking distance from the center, next to Arktikum.

Explorers, lovers of learning. The whole family – a lot of fun with kids.

Tip! On top of hands-on exploration in the exhibition, don’t forget to ask for nature and outdoor tips on in Pilke Info.

Explore the arctic city

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Rovaniemi combines the northern nature with urban surroundings, self-confident localness and open-minded internationality. Rovaniemi is also the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.

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Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland, lies right on the Arctic Circle, which makes the town a gateway to the arctic. See more here.

Lapland, Finland is full of breathtaking phenomena and nature elements. The best time of travelling to Rovaniemi depends on what you are after – the constantly changing seasons all have their own characteristic light, temperature, natural phenomena and ideal activities.