At the exhibition, you will get to explore the Oulu region’s diverse nature and its fascinating local inhabitants. Simultaneously, you will learn about the distinctive features of animals and how they manage to survive the darkness, cold, and varying seasons of northern nature.
Along the way, you will meet animals you might not often run into – at least not nearby! There are over one hundred taxidermized animals, skeletons, skulls, and a wide range of invertebrate animals, especially bugs, on display from the University of Oulu’s zoological museum’s collections.
“The exhibition continues the long-term cooperation with the Science Centre Tietomaa in presenting local nature and supporting environmental and nature education”, University of Oulu’s zoological museum’s director Professor Jouni Aspi states.
The exhibition is like a nature trail that leads the visitor into animal habitats through the seasons. “We want to encourage everyone to strengthen their relationship with nature and awaken respect towards local nature”, Oulu Museum and Science Centre’s Audience Development Director Anna-Riikka Hirvonen explains.
There is plenty to see and also to experience at the exhibition. You can test what it would be like to be an animal: hunt like a frog, swim like salmon, or fly like a bird. “The goal is to have fun while learning something new”, Hirvonen adds.
On Animal Trails was first seen in 2024, but Tietomaa’s renovation cut the exhibition short. Now it will return – renewed and even more impressive.
The exhibition opens in October of 2026 in Oulu’s Myllytulli, in Tiima. The exhibition is co-produced together by the Science Centre Tietomaa and University of Oulu. Its production has been supported by the University of Oulu, the city of Oulu, Metsähallitus and the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Experience nature closer than ever and uncover its secrets.