Iñupiat Heritage Center Alaska

Museum exhibit case with fur parkas and boots

Two people sit by a tent and a skin canoe in snow next to the ocean.

Large building with words "Inupiat Heritage Center" on the side

Five people in heavy clothing paddle a skin canoe in icy waters

Five masks with fur trim in a display case.

On the rooftop of the world, the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska, tells the story of the Iñupiat people. They have thrived for thousands of years in one of the most extreme climates on Earth, hunting the bowhead, or "Agviq." In the 19th century, the quiet northern seas swarmed with commercial whalemen from New England, who also sought the bowhead for its valuable baleen and blubber.

Traditional clothing of the Inupiaq on exhibit at the Center
NPS Photo

A whaling crew (Hopson 1) waits patiently at the open lead for a bowhead whale, May 2002.
Photo courtesy of Inupiat Heritage Center

The Inupiat Heritage Center promotes Inupiaq culture, history and language through exhibits, classes, performances and activities.
NPS Photo

NPS Photo

A collection of masks from the Inupiat Heritage Center
NPS Photo

A building in the winter

About the Center

Housing exhibits, artifact collections, a library, gift shop, and a traditional room for demonstrations and teaching traditional crafts.

Last updated: July 14, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O Box 69
Barrow, AK 99723

Phone:

907-434-0805

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