In the late 1960s, there were serious considerations to transform the former whaling captain’s house into a museum that contained various collections and a photo archive, although it took ten years before actual work began. Prior to this, there had been wishes to make the oldest building in Aasiaat a museum. However, the restoration could not take place before 1982 and the future of the whaling captain’s house was widely discussed.

Ado Lynge, the president of the local council, did not consider the oldest building to be large enough to function as a museum. Hendrik Johansen thought the establishment of a museum could not wait until 1982 and suggested that they purchase Frederik Lynge’s old home and restore that for the museum instead.

B-26: The whaling captain’s home – the oldest building in Aasiaat

In April of 1977, a museum committee was established. At the end of November 1978, media outlets announced that Aasiaat Museum would have its opening ceremony on December 3, 1978. The museum was located in Frederik Lynge’s former home near the church and the opening ceremony was a huge success.

The museum committee was able to acquire the more than 100-year-old umiak that belonged to the Johansen family, as well as Isaias Jeremiassen’s kayak and its tools from the 1930s. The committee did not have to worry about their maintenance and could instead spend their time expanding their collection on objects from the old nomadic culture. The museum was modernized with the introduction of a collection of objects and photographs that shed light on modern history.

A museum curator was hired in the summer of 1986 and the museum was recognized as eligible for funding by the Greenlandic government. In 1988, the museum celebrated its ten-year anniversary and it experienced a growing number of visitors. The museum had had several exhibitions, including its own exhibition about Peter Siegstad.

B-404: The first museum in Aasiaat (1978-2001) in the former home of Frederik Lynge

The year 2002 was important for Aasiaat Museum, as the museum was moved from B-404 to its current location, B-24, near the shore. The building is the former home of the colony manager, and the house was changed to a museum. Prior to the move, the building was restored.

A visit to Aasiaat Museum should provide the guests a more nuanced view on the Greenlandic society, contrary to that often shown in media. Further, a visit will heighten the guests’ overall experience in Aasiaat. The museum can also be described as a melting pot for the past and for the present.

In the museum, visitors will discover Greenlandic stories told to the Greenlandic youth; artists will find a place to show their artwork; and finally, the museum is suitable for tourism, because the museum grants tourists in Aasiaat the opportunity to see and experience the city’s culture.

B.24: The former home of the colony manager; now, it is Aasiaat Museum