Helsinki is poised to provide an insightful experience into Sámi culture through two significant exhibitions in 2026. The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma kicked off “We Who Remain” on March 27, while the Helsinki City Museum is set to unveil an exhibition on Sámi life this November. These initiatives aim to convey Sámi identity, artistic expressions, and daily living in an accessible urban framework.

The Sámi people, recognized as the sole indigenous population within the European Union, boast a rich heritage that dates back thousands of years. Their ancestral territory, Sápmi, spans across northern Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. In Helsinki, the integration of Sámi culture is notably evident in educational settings, especially in Pasila, where the country’s southernmost class in the Sámi language operates. This educational effort is supported by Outi Pieski’s public artwork, ČSV áigi, featured at the Keski-Pasila primary school and daycare.

The “We Who Remain” exhibition at Kiasma, in collaboration with the Sámi Museum Siida, showcases contemporary Sámi art from Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Running until September 6, it highlights the works of over 20 artists, reflecting the progression of Sámi society and its increasing international visibility. Curator Petra Laiti expresses, “Contrasts are ever-present in Sámi contemporary art. The artworks convey the nuanced and profound emotional layers of Sámi life.”

In November, the Helsinki City Museum will dive deep into Sámi life in the capital, providing insights into their identity and communal bonds. Curated by a Sámi team, this exhibition will be preceded by a documentation project that involves Sámi locals to enhance awareness and appreciation for Europe’s only recognized indigenous community.