CLOSED: Mäccmõš, maccâm, máhccan – The Homecoming
The National Museum of Finland returned over 2,000 Sámi artefacts from its collections to the Sámi community and Sámi Museum Siida in 2021. The exhibition is our way of celebrating this repatriation that is significant even at an international level.
The contents of the exhibition includes about 140 items from the Sámi collection, archived materials, photos, and works by Sámi artists. The Sámi collection of the National Museum has been compiled over 170 years, from 1830 to 1998.
The items acquired for the collection at various times reflect the ideas and values of their time and collectors. The exhibition showcases the significance of cultural heritage to people and identity and encourages us to think about the control and ownership of cultural heritage.
Repatriation is a sign of change in both society and museum operations.
The planning and multi-art implementation of the exhibition entity is carried out together with the Sámi community and Sámi Museum Siida. The content is directed by Sámi activist Petra Laiti, while Sámi visual artist Outi Pieski is in charge of the art choices and visual direction. The exhibition is produced by the National Museum of Finland.
Open guided tours
In Finnish every Sunday at 14.30 p.m. (until 27th of February 2022)
In English at 13 p.m. on following Sundays
- 21st of November 2021
- 19 th of December 2021
- 23rd of January 2022
- 20th of February 2022
In Swedish at 13 p.m. on following Sundays
- 28th of November 2021
- 26th of December 2021
- 30th of January 2022
- 27th of Februaary 2022
The exhibition celebrates the return of the Sami collection to the Sápmi, the land of the Sámi. The tour discusses the themes of the exhibition, such as research and recording of Sámi culture, Finnish colonialism and the return of objects, and the stories of objects. Open guided tours are included in the price of the entrance ticket. Sign-up in advance by e-mail from Monday to Friday during office hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) skm.opastusvaraukset@kansallismuseo.fi or ask if there is still room on the tour when arriving at the museum.
Private guided tour, 30–45 min
The exhibition celebrates the return of the Sami collection to the Sápmi, the land of the Sámi. The tour discusses the themes of the exhibition, such as research and recording of Sámi culture, Finnish colonialism and the return of objects, and the stories of objects. Book your own tour.
Guided tour for school and student groups, 45–60 min
During the interactive tour, we will explore the key themes of the Homecoming exhibition and use joint exercises to consider the history of indigenous peoples and the research of Sámi culture. Why is the right to one's own culture important? The exercises of the tour are based on the Dihtosis method pack produced by the Sámi Parliament and the Youth Academy. The visit can take place at the museum or as a remote online tour. Recommended for children over 11 years of age. Book a tour.