Arctic Collections

Overview

Deep within the grand walls of the Nordiska Museet in Stockholm, Sweden, lies the compelling sub-spot known as the 'Arctic Collections'. This profound exhibition, officially titled 'The Arctic – While the Ice is Melting', serves as a vibrant, immersive gateway into the lives and landscapes of the circumpolar region. Launched in October 2019 after three years of dedicated preparation, it occupies a substantial area of over 2,000 square meters (or 22,000 square feet) within the museum's magnificent Great Hall. It invites visitors to explore the intricate relationship between humanity and ice, presenting a nuanced picture of the Arctic's past, present, and future. The exhibition meticulously showcases the diverse cultures and challenges faced by the four million people who call this dramatic, rapidly changing environment home.

Through a rich tapestry of authentic objects, captivating photographs, innovative designs, evocative artwork, and compelling films and projections, the Arctic Collections illuminate the profound impact of climate change on this vital part of our world. It provides clear explanations and historical context, offering a holistic experience designed for both adults and children, fostering understanding and connection with Arctic life and its pressing issues.

History & Cultural Background

The Nordiska Museet itself is Sweden's largest museum of cultural history, established in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius. Its extensive collections, numbering over 1.5 million objects, are dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural history and ethnography of Sweden and the wider Nordic region from the 16th century to the present day. Hazelius initially focused on collecting items that depicted disappearing rural culture, prioritizing the lives of ordinary people over kings and wars.

The 'Arctic Collections' exhibition continues this tradition by focusing on the 'everyday life' in one of the world's most unique regions. It is the culmination of three years of extensive research and a broad, unconventional collaboration. This monumental effort brought together an array of researchers, scientists, and experts from across the Nordic countries and Stockholm University. Spearheaded by Professor Lotten Gustafsson Reinius, a leading figure in Nordic Ethnology, the project built upon scientific dialogues concerning nature, culture, resource landscapes, and the Arctic as a home for both people and animals. This academic rigor, combined with artistic vision, ensures the exhibition offers a deeply informed and culturally sensitive portrayal of Arctic life.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the 'Arctic Collections' apart is its immersive and evocative design. The exhibition's centerpiece is a colossal mock-up of a melting iceberg, rent by a deep fissure. Visitors are invited to journey through this crevasse, a symbolic pathway that interweaves the past with the present, science with mythology, and art with daily life. This striking design, conceived by the renowned art and design duo MUSEEA (Sofia Hedman and Serge Martynov), transforms the museum's Great Hall into an Arctic landscape.

Above, the vaulted ceiling, towering 20 meters high, becomes a canvas for breathtaking projections of the Arctic sky, creating an atmospheric and encompassing experience. The exhibition also features ten compelling documentary films, allowing visitors to meet individuals from diverse Arctic locales such as Qaanaaq in Greenland, Vatnajökull in Iceland, and communities in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Canada, and Russia. Beyond the visual and auditory immersion, interactive stations provide opportunities for visitors to engage personally, even to the extent of making a 'climate pledge' to their future selves.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Arctic is not just a frozen expanse; it is a vibrant home to four million people whose lives are inextricably linked to the ice and profoundly affected by its rapid changes. A significant aspect of the broader Nordiska Museet's collection, and integrated within the Arctic narrative, are the Sami objects. The museum holds over 8,000 items related to the indigenous Sami people, showcasing their rich cultural heritage within an Arctic and Nordic context. It is noteworthy that the museum has actively engaged in discussions and actions to return some of these culturally sensitive items to the Sami region of Sapmi, acknowledging past ethical concerns in their acquisition.

The grandeur of the museum building itself adds to the experience. Designed in a Dutch-influenced Danish Renaissance style, its imposing exterior and vast interior are a marvel. The Great Hall, housing the Arctic Collections, is an impressive 126 meters long and 24 meters tall, making it one of the largest non-denominational spaces in Sweden. This architectural scale enhances the immersive quality of the exhibition, allowing the projected Arctic skies to feel truly expansive. The museum's founder, Artur Hazelius, began his ambitious collecting journey in 1872, driven by a desire to preserve the quickly disappearing rural cultural heritage for future generations.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, a visit to the 'Arctic Collections' is more than just viewing artifacts; it's an immersive journey into a crucial global story. The design duo MUSEEA expressed their intention for visitors to have a powerful and immersive experience, one that instills a sense of urgency to address the climate crisis. The exhibition's thoughtful curation aims to create a 'holistic experience', engaging visitors through multiple senses – from the visual spectacle of projections to the emotional weight of personal stories from Arctic communities. Walking through the simulated ice crevasse, observing the ancient garments made from animal skins, and hearing the voices of those living on the front lines of climate change all contribute to a deeply moving and educational experience. The entire museum provides amenities like a restaurant, potentially offering a taste of Nordic or Arctic-inspired flavors, further enhancing the cultural immersion after exploring the profound insights of the Arctic Collections.