Sámi Flag
To coincide with Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture, the Sámi flag flies atop Somerset House’s dome overlooking London and the River Thames.
| Dates | 6 Nov 2026–7 Feb 2027 |
| Space | Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court |
| Price | Free |
The first versions of the flag were born of protest against colonisation, and the need to symbolically unite across the lands. In the 1970s, Sámi artist Synnøve Persen created artworks drawing on these prototypes. The final 1986 version was chosen by competition, and the winning design created by another Sámi artist, Astrid Båhl. The four colours are inspired by the colours of gákti (traditional Sámi clothing), and the unifying circle motif recalls sun and moon illustrations from sacred Sámi drums.
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Header image: Sámi Flag. Credit David Parry/Assignments/Press Association