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The museaums in Tromso provide more than just the average exhibitions. In addition to more typical museums such as the Tromso Art Museaum and Tromso Science Centre, you`ll also find unique options, like the Polar Museaum, Troll Museaum, and Perspectives Museaum.
Visiting Tromso museums is particularly beneficial if youβre in Tromso in winter, when the weather is cold and snowy. Indeed, spending a day inside a heated facility and learning more about Norwegian art, history, science, and culture represents an ideal way to stay warm and have fun simultaneously.
Of course, ultimately, TromsΓΈ museums are deserving of visitation at any time of year, since exploring them is considered one of the finest activities in Tromso.
1. Polar Museum, the most popular museum in Tromso
Learn all about polar exploration and trapping at the TromsΓΈ Polar Museum. The charming waterfront warehouse building dates to the 1830s.
Tromso was considered the βGateway to the Arcticβ in the nineteenth century, so numerous expeditions to the North Pole set out from the city. As such, the permanent displays tell the stories of Arctic explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen as well as the history of hunting whales and trapping in Northern Norway.
The Tromso Polar Museum is one of three museums that are run by TromsΓΈ University, the other two being the TromsΓΈ Museum and MS Polstjerna. As a result of this association, you can enjoy a discounted Polar Museum Tromso entrance fee if you purchase a combined ticket to the Polar Museum and TromsΓΈ Museum.
- Hours: 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM daily
- Cost of entry: 100 NOK ($11.59 USD) for adults; 150 NOK ($17.39) for adult combination ticket to Polar Museum and Tromso Museum; free for children under 18
2. Tromso Museum, a fascinating museum in TromsΓΈ
The eponymous TromsΓΈ Museum is worth visiting when in Tromso. Also known as the Arctic University Museum of Norway, it houses five permanent exhibits, including two on the culture and history of the Sami (an indigenous Scandinavian people) called βSami cultureβ and βSΓ‘pmi β becoming a nation.β
Gain understanding about the Earthβs formation and even handle some of the universityβs geological findings in the βTellUs β From Stardust to Modern Technologyβ exhibit. Then, head to the βUNNaturallyβ area to admire some Arctic wildlife and explore the interactions involving humans and nature. Finally, if you take an interest in art history, the βEcclesiastical Artβ section boasts a medieval triptych and sculptures from churches around Northern Norway.
As mentioned earlier, the Tromso Museum, akin to the Polar Museum, falls under the TromsΓΈ University museum network, therefore obtaining a combined ticket for both facilities saves money and offers more convenience than separate tickets.
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday β Friday; 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday; 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sunday
- Cost of entry: 100 NOK ($11.59 USD) for adults; 150 NOK ($17.39) for adult combination ticket to Polar Museum and Tromso Museum; free for children under 18
3. MS Polstjerna, an immersive TromsΓΈ museum
Step aboard the MS Polstjerna, a former seal hunting ship that has been preserved inside a covered glass building located in a dry dock. This completely immersive Tromso museum offers you the chance to walk the decks of this historical vessel and examine the tools and equipment once used by its former occupants.
In addition to gaining further knowledge about sealing, youβll find displays regarding Sami culture, Arctic wildlife, and polar exploration.
Regrettably, maintenance is currently being performed on the historic vessel, but one hopes it will soon reopen, allowing visitors to explore this captivating remnant from ages past.
- It is temporarily closed now for upkeep work.
- Price of admission: To be determined
4. Northern Norwegian Science Center, the best Tromso science museum
Bring out your inner scientist by exploring the Northern Norwegian Science Center in TromsΓΈ. This science museum is suitable for all ages, housing many informative interactive exhibits, and on Sundays one can participate in activities at the center`s labs.
Pretend to be a meteorologist and give a climate report before going shopping for eco-friendly food at the βLittle Green Shopβ in the βClimate and Weatherβ area. Then, try the climbing wall, do some puzzles, and test your vertical leap height in the βBody and Brainβ section.
Next, head to the βEnergy and Environment in the Northβ area to learn everything about clean energy advances. Ultimately, learn about the Northern Lights, constellations, and Earthβs magnetic field in βThe Sky above Usβ section. If youβre still seeking more to do, you can watch any of the numerous movies offered at the planetarium.
Also, right next to the science center is the stunning TromsΓΈ Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden. This garden, which is the worldβs northernmost botanical garden, is free to enter and open throughout the year. The best time of year to visit is however from May to October though, when the assortment of Arctic, Antarctic, and alpine plants from all over the world is in full bloom.
- Hours: 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM daily
- The cost of entry: 130 Norwegian krone ($15 US) for adults; 70 Norwegian krone ($11 US) for children; 330 Norwegian krone ($38.25 US) for a family unit consisting of 2 adults and three children
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5. Northern Norway Art Museum in Tromso, the best Tromso art museum
At the Northern Norway Art Museum, visitors can admire artworks by Norwegian artists, Sami craftspeople, international contemporary artists, and more. The gallery will always have something fresh to see, since this Tromso art gallery principally hosts a series of temporary exhibitions.
If you wish for skilled direction as you explore the exhibit, there are free guided walks on Sundays at 2:00 PM and on weekdays during opening hours. Grab a snack at the cafΓ© if you feel peckish and make some art of your own in the Maker Space. You can even take home a souvenir created by a Sami designer from the museumβs gift shop.
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except Thursday; 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday
- Cost of admission: 80 NOK ($9.30 USD) for adults; free for children under 18
6. Perspectives Museum, an unusual Tromso museum
The Perspectives Museum is unlike other museums in Tromso. Here, visitors can see a constantly changing series of temporary exhibitions centered around art, culture, literature, and more.
The museumβs primary focus is on human bonds and cultural diversity, aiming to encourage tolerance and respect for different viewpoints, explaining the name of the museum. The permanent collection of the museum homes an archive of over 500,000 photographs; items, photographs, and art that belonged to the local writer Cora Sandel; and collections that were inherited from the TromsΓΈ Town Museum and Troms Folk Museum.
- Hours open: 10:00 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday β Friday; 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday β Sunday; closed on Mondays
- Price of admission: 50 NOK ($5.80 USD) for adults; free for children
7. Troll Museum, a cool museum in Tromso, Norway
Regardless of when you visit Tromso, donβt miss the Troll Museum, which is undoubtedly the most unique museum in Tromso. This museum is the first in Norway to focus solely on trolls and folk tales and provides the ideal way to learn more about Norwegian folklore and beliefs.
The museum utilizes augmented reality (AR: added animations, images, texts, and sounds via tablet) to truly bring its exhibitions to life. As you gain more knowledge about Norwegian folk tales and myths, you`ll see the stories play out before your eyes with illustrations and handcrafted figurines.
There are also a selection of board games or translated fairy tales focused on trolls available to experience or read yourself within the Reading Room. Those who really connect with the trolls can even bring an augmented reality one home from the gift shop.
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Cost of entrance: 180 NOK ($21 USD) for adults; 100 NOK ($11.59 USD) for children ages 5-12; free for children under 5; 450 NOK ($52 USD) for a family of 2 adults and 2 children
8. Tromso Center for Contemporary Art, a fantastic free Tromso art museum
Take in experimental and contemporary art at the Tromso Center for Contemporary Art, a free Tromso art museum and the oldest art institution in Northern Norway. The regularly changing temporary exhibitions include works by many different Norwegian and international creatives.
When exploring the exhibition on display, stop in at the gift shop for some books or a souvenir.
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday to Sunday
- Price of admission: Free
As you will have noticed, Tromso is home to a wide range of incredible and distinctive museums. If you plan your trip to Tromso well in advance, you definitely won`t get bored if poor weather prevents exploring outside. Use the map below to locate your way to the Tromso museums of interest and see what other attractions are nearby.
If seeking an accommodating place to stay following exploring the hiking trails in Tromso, try Tromso Lodge and Camping. This Tromso lodging is near many well-known hiking paths, such as the route to FlΓΈya, yet itβs also just a 15-minute drive from TromsΓΈ Airport.
Enjoy exploring Tromso!