Museum

Ammassalik Museum

This collection serves as a gateway to the rich heritage, enduring legends, and transformative events of the region. Unearth stories that resonate with the spirit of the Tunumiit people, understand the architectural wonders inspired by the raw environment, or unravel the influences shaping contemporary Greenlandic society. Through this compilation, the complex tapestry of East Greenland unfurls, allowing readers to grasp the depth and diversity of its cultural chronicle.

Kulusuk Museum

Nestled in the heart of Kulusuk, East Greenland, the local museum serves as a testament to the rich history and enduring traditions of the Ammassalik region. Prior to the arrival of Danish missionaries and merchants in 1884, the people of Kulusuk led nomadic lives, hunting and living in complete isolation from the rest of the world. The Kulusuk Museum offers visitors an intimate perspective on the lives of the Tunumiit people of East Greenland’s coastline, presented through the lens of a local family’s narrative. Owned and operated by a local family, this museum not only preserves the past but also provides a personal and profound exploration of the region’s culture, showcasing the resilience and remarkable spirit of the local community.

Ittoqqortoormiit Museum

Located in the heart of Ittoqqortoormiit, the local museum is housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings, a property generously handed over by the Greenlandic Home Rule to the Ittoqqortoormiit Kommunea in 1995 for this specific purpose. Officially opened on September 4th, 1997, this historic building, which dates back to 1930, served as the Royal Greenlandic Trading store and later as the office for Greenland’s Technical Organization after a careful restoration. The museum’s permanent exhibition features an authentic reproduction of a 1950s/1960s hunter’s home from the Ittajimmiit village, demonstrating the living conditions and lifestyle of the era. Adjacent to this is a room showcasing a collection of photographs taken by Ib Tøpfer, a former worker at the Kap Tobin telephone station, which provides a unique snapshot of the period. Upstairs, the museum houses a vast array of fascinating pictures from the town’s foundation and early years of colonization in 1924-1925. In addition to a kayak skeleton and traditional East Greenlandic clothing, the museum also features a significant collection of oil paintings from 1957-1959, painted by the town’s first qualified doctor, Jens Nielsen. This room is often used for rotating exhibits, including works by various artists such as Åge Gitz-Johansen and Inger Lise Westman. This intimate museum serves as a vibrant reminder of Ittoqqortoormiit’s rich history and the resilient spirit of its people.

Ancient Traditions and Unique Customs

In the rugged and remote expanse of East Greenland, the culture, traditions, and customs of its inhabitants resonate deeply with the land they call home. Rooted in a history of resilience and adaptability, the East Greenlandic Inuit have maintained a way of life that harmoniously balances ancient practices with the demands of the modern world. Rituals like drum dancing and storytelling remain vital, preserving oral histories and binding communities together. Unique tattooing traditions, once seen on the faces and hands of Inuit women, speak of age, status, and individual stories. The art of kayak building and hunting methods, passed down through generations, showcases their symbiotic relationship with the sea and its creatures. While the broader Greenlandic culture shares many similarities, East Greenland’s isolation has resulted in a retention of linguistics and traditions that are distinct, offering a rich tapestry of cultural insights for those who venture to this secluded region.