The Polar Museum

With its location far to the north, Tromsø has served as the gateway to the Arctic for adventurers, hunters and researchers. Our exhibitions tell the stories of explorer Willem Barentsz’s very first encounter with a polar bear, daring balloon expeditions over the polar regions, and a lonely Christmas celebration in a trapper’s hut.

In our historic buildings, formerly used by the Customs Service in Tromsø, we present polar history with both national and local roots. Our permanent exhibitions explore sealing, overwintering, polar expeditions and the cultural history of Svalbard. The former sea warehouse houses temporary exhibitions based on new polar research.

In our museum shop, you’ll find unique gifts for yourself and your loved ones.