The Polar Museum

About us

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’ very first encounter with a polar bear, daring hot air balloon expeditions over the polar regions, and a lonely Christmas celebration in a trapper’s hut.

In our historic buildings, which are the former Customs premises in Tromsø, we communicate polar history with national and local roots. Our permanent exhibitions deal with sealing, overwintering, polar expeditions and the cultural history of Svalbard. The former boathouse houses temporary exhibitions based on new polar research.

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