The museum director has his say

Since January 19th, I have been the new museum director of Norrbotten Museum and would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. 

I would also like to say that I feel honored to receive this assignment. I believe that museums – regardless of whether they are local, regional or national – are one of the most important actors when it comes to the diffuse concept of “public education”. In addition, museums, together with archives and libraries, should function as society’s memory. It is therefore no small responsibility that rests on Norrbotten Museum, and ultimately on me as director.

So at the beginning of my assignment, I want to highlight a few things that I will work towards:

• Norrbotten Museum is a place for reflection with the fantastic privilege of being able to tell stories through physical objects, artifacts and intangible cultural heritage that help visitors reflect on our time. This is not least important in a time of great societal transformation. Expressed as a vision, it is “with the help of history, reflect on the present, for the future”.
• Norrbotten Museum is a museum for the entire county, which happens to be located in Luleå. Everyone who lives in Norrbotten has – regardless of whether they live in Kiruna, Övertorneå, Luleå or Arvidsjaur – a right to take part in what the museum does. The fact that Norrbotten is the geographically largest region in the country is of course a challenge. Taking part in a museum will therefore look different, but our ambition must be to be available to everyone in the county in one way or another.

Finally, those of you who have made it this far in the text are probably wondering when the museum will open? It is not yet possible to say, but we are working to make it happen as soon as possible. At the same time, this renovation gives us a great opportunity to build exhibitions that are both updated and modern. We are sure that you will encounter a fantastic museum when we open.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us: lennart.pettersson@norrbotten.se