Did you know who Sámi people are? We did not know either but went to see the new exhibition at Somerset House to learn about how Sámi harmonious way of life encourages reflections on creativity and nature with a touch of spiritual. The South Wing galleries presents Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture a groundbreaking group exhibition dedicated exclusively to Sámi, the Europe’s only recognised Indigenous population. This free event runs until 7 February 2027.
Spanning the northern reaches of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula, the traditional land of Sámi people is a region rich in living tradition, political resilience, and intricate ecological knowledge. Co-curated by Sámi visual artist Matti Aikio alongside Somerset House’s Director of Exhibitions Dr Cliff Lauson, this landmark free exhibition features 19 trail-blazing contemporary artists whose work bridges ancient heritage, environmental activism, and cutting-edge visual art.
What to expect
Presented across five interconnected gallery spaces in the Terrace and Courtyard Rooms, Through Our Eyes offers young Londoners a rare opportunity to engage with Indigenous perspectives on land rights, climate justice, and cultural sovereignty.
- Landmark installations: View dynamic, new site-specific installations, including new work from Finnish-Sámi artist Outi Pieski, alongside pioneer figures of contemporary Sámi art such as Britta Marakatt-Labba, Iver Jåks, and Nils-Aslak Valkeapää.
- Protest & Heritage: Explore how traditional duodji (Sámi craft, textiles, and woodworking) and traditional gákti garments intersect with political activism. To celebrate the exhibition, the Sámi flag, with its unifying circular sun and moon motif, will fly atop Somerset House’s iconic central dome overlooking the Thames.
- The living voice: The displays weave together film, sculpture, photography, soundscapes, and textiles, providing a multi-sensory dive into how Sámi communities navigate modern environmental and geopolitical challenges. For a special token you c an hear a century-old Sámi joik (an ancient form of song).
Special events for young creatives
Alongside the core exhibition, Somerset House has curated a dynamic line-up of live events, screenings, and young-person-focused workshops:
- Upgrade Yourself Takeover (26 November 2026): Designed specifically for creatives aged 18–30, this late-night after-hours session (6 pm–10 pm) offers free food, curator tours, artist Q&As, interspecies soundscape listening sessions, and land-justice workshops.
- Máhccan – Homecoming Film Screening (8 December 2026): The UK debut of Suvi West’s acclaimed documentary exploring the repatriation of Sámi cultural artifacts, followed by an in-person conversation with the director and co-curator Matti Aikio.
- Sámi National Day Celebrations (6 February 2027): A full-day cultural celebration featuring woven bag-charm workshops led by duodji artist Katarina Spik Skum, special film showcases, and guided curator tours.
Plan your visit
This free event (ticket online reservations are recommended) runs until 7 February 2027. Dates: 6 November 2026 – 7 February 2027. Whilst you are here, check out the Courtauld Gallery and their amazing gallery shop. You may find some amazing gifts there. And you can’t miss the Somerset House Ice Rink, one of London’s finest skating venues.
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