siida

Siida is a museum and nature center located in Inari, Lapland, Finland, devoted to Sámi culture and the natural environment of the Arctic region. It is one of Finland’s principal institutions dedicated to Sámi heritage and Arctic biodiversity. The facility combines indoor exhibits with outdoor interpretation areas and nature trails around Lake Inari.

The permanent collection presents Sámi history, social organization, and traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding, as well as everyday life, crafts (duodji), clothing (gakti), and joik music. It also includes archaeological materials and archival resources, and hosts temporary exhibitions on contemporary Sámi art and culture. The accompanying nature center focuses on the taiga and tundra ecosystems of northern Finland, wetlands, birds, and climate change, illustrating how people and nature have interacted in the region.

Programs and accessibility: Siida offers guided tours, educational programs for schools, workshops, and cultural events, including performances and exhibitions that highlight Sámi language and culture. Information is provided in Finnish, English, and Swedish, with some materials available in Inari Sámi. The architecture uses wood and glass and is designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape. Siida operates as a cultural and research hub, collaborating with museums, universities, and Sámi organizations to document and communicate the region’s heritage.