The Arctic Museum Nanoq was inaugurated in June 1991 in Jakobstad (Pietarsaari) in Finland and is the first Arctic museum in Europe. Nanoq displays the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as surrounding areas and is a tribute to the cultures of the last Arctic peoples. Over the years the museum has grown to become a vibrant Arctic cultural centre, which is visited annually by thousands of guests from all over the world.

The museum’s name Nanoq comes from Greenlandic and means polar bear. At Nanoq you can get acquainted with Arctic peoples, cultures and customs, and hear exciting stories from famous expeditions to the North and South Pole. The museum area is situated in the middle of the forest and consists of different cottages that have been built over the years. Each cottage has their own story to tell.