Museums, Pori

he Sara Hildén Art Museum, which is the permanent home of the collection of modern art, Finnish and foreign, owned by the Sara Hildén Foundation, is maintained by the City of Tampere. Sara Hildén Foundation Collection currently amounts to some 4500 works. It is thus a comprehensive collection which presents a broad cross section of the development in modern art over the last forty years. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/sara-hilden-art-museum/

The Tampere Art Museum was established in 1931. It was founded by the Tampere Art Society which had already been collecting art and arranging art exhibitions in Tampere since the beginning of the last century. The museum is renowned for its active exhibition policy, especially exhibitions presenting ancient cultures, wide-ranging publication activities, the Young Artist of the Year event and Moominvalley, which can be found in the city main library “Metso”. The Tampere Art Museum presents important themes from art history and phenomena of contemporary art in both its Finnish and international exhibitions. The museum’s collections consist mainly of domestic art from the early 19th century onwards. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tampere-art-museum/

Vapriikki is housed in what used to be the engineering works of Tampella Ltd. on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids. With a picturesque location beside the Tammerkoski rapids, Vapriikki is a museum centre that offers things to see and do for the whole family. We host about a dozen exhibitions, with varied themes, including history, technology, and natural sciences. Vapriikki is also home to the Natural History Museum of Tampere, the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame, the Shoe Museum, and the Doll Museum. In autumn 2014, the Postal Museum and the Tampere Mineral Museum will also open their doors at Vapriikki. Our visitors are served by museum restaurant Valssi and the Vapriikki museum shop, which offers a wide selection of books, gifts, and souvenirs. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/museum-centre-vapriikki/

Take a little virtual tour of the museum. It takes you to some of the houses on the block and informs you of the museum’s construction process. You will also be told how the workers’ residential are Amuri came into existence. http://www.museokortteli.fi/en/

The city of Tampere bought the building and named it Näsilinnaksi. It was handed over to the oldest museum in Tampere, the Häme Museum. The first exhibitions opened in 1908. http://museomilavida.fi/museo-milavida/milavida/

The Moomin Museum brings a touch of magic from Tove Jansson’s Moominland Midwinter to Terminal 1 at Tampere-Pirkkala airport. https://muumimuseo.fi/en/

Kylämäki Village in Kurala is made up of four farms with buildings still standing at their original sites. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. Nowadays, Kurala is a village of living history where visitors can travel back in time to a typical Southwest Finnish farm of the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. During summer in the Iso-Kohmo kitchen, oven-baked treats prepared to Grandma’s recipes are warming on the wood-burning stove. The farmer’s wife tells of everyday activities from the old days, whilst also giving handy tips on things such as making juice. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kylamaki-village-of-living-history_

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a unique combination of history, archaeology and contemporary art in the centre of Turku. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/aboa-vetus-ars-nova_en-1

Finland’s most legendary prison vacated its former residence on Kakolanmäki in 2007, allowing the neighbourhood to enter a new and more auspicious age. It is an increasingly popular ‘Kakola Before and After’ tours, in which participants will explore the former prison buildings as well as the locations of the most exciting and audacious escapes of all time. The tour then continues on to Kakolan Sali, the hall that served as the prison church, where visitors will view a slideshow of the cells and hear stories of daily life for Kakola’s inmates. The two-hour tour is complete after a delicious serving of cakes and coffee. Public tours are held from 15th May to 5th September. Detailed times will be published on Kakola's website and Kakola's Facebook page later in the spring. The 2-hour tour costs €20 and includes coffee and cake. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kakola

The Turku Biological Museum is a Diorama-Museum that resides in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. The museum is a great experience for all those interested in nature and cultural history. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/biological-museum_en

Forum Marinum, a National Specialist Museum for Finnish maritime and naval history standing next to Turku Castle, is a nautical experience suitable for all ages. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/forum-marinum-maritime-centre_en

The Brinkhall Manor, located in Turku on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The existing neoclassical buildings, completed in 1793, are surrounded by a rich natural and cultural landscape with parks and gardens going back many hundreds of years. The grounds are well known from the Finnish TV series Hovimäki. Brinkhall Manor has a Café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions during the café’s opening hours. Manor tours as well as a variety of events, from concerts to parties and seminars can be arranged on request. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/brinkhall-manor_en

The museum that shows and lives in Finland-Finnish culture. http://vasabrage.fi/sv/

The Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art was opened to the public in February 2007. The museum is situated in a former customs warehouse in the Inner Harbour of Vaasa. The building has 2,000 m² of space, which has been planned exclusively for museum activities. Thanks to the museum, both national and international exhibitions of modern and contemporary art are now a permanent feature of Vaasa’s artistic life. The base collection in the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art is the Kuntsi Foundation’s art collection – one of the most important classic collections of contemporary art in Finland covering pop art, kinetic art as well as committed art, informalism, surrealism, new expressionism, postmodernism… The more than 900 works forming the collection are a cross-section of modern art history, from international modernists to the Finnish artists of today. But most of all, it is the classic collection of Finnish contemporary art created in the 1950s and onward. The Kuntsi Collection is constantly growing and other nationally remarkable private collections are both deposited and donated in connection with it. Donations and depositions continue the work started by Consul Simo Kuntsi, and increase the importance of Vaasa in the modern and contemporary art world. Regular cooperation with other museums, artists and collectors in Finland and abroad further expands the museum’s operation as well as the exhibition offerings of the most topical art. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/kuntsi-museum-of-modern-art/

In Terranova you can explore and experience the beautiful archipelago of the Kvarken area with all your senses. You can admire and listen to the sounds of all common birds singing, tap a seal and have a peek at our virtual aquarium, where you will see fishes of all sizes. The mosquitoes are buzzing in the insect room, where you will also find all the beautiful butterflies of the area. All the birds and mammals of the Kvarken area are found in the scientific collections of the nature centre. In the auditorium, you may look at nature films, including a film about the Ice Age and the local phenomenon of rising land, explained to you in a clear and fascinating way. Terranova also provides information about nature tourism and special interest activities in this unique landscape. You can look around by yourself or make a reservation for a guided tour beforehand. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/terranova-kvarken-nature-centre/

The greatly expanded Maritime Museum of Åland can be found in the town of Mariehamn. It represents a must-see for anyone interested in sea travel or the unique history of Finland’s autonomous Åland Islands. https://finland.fi/life-society/aland-treasures-maritime-memories/

The Åland Hunting and Fishing museum is situated in a choice location by the sea at Eckerö Käringsund, next to the old fishing village and grey boathouses. The Åland Hunting and Fishing Museum is a museum for the whole family. The museum describes the Ålanders’ day-to-day life in former times – how people who were hunters and fishermen put food on the table and provided for their families. The exhibitions include everything to do with hunting, fishing and life in the archipelago, such as nets, barrels, sumps, boats, rya rugs, engines, sport fishing equipment, motor sledges, decoys, weapons, traps and trophies. Black and white photographs and texts complement the exhibits and describe life in a fishing village and market – how people hunted seals and fished with a seine. The museum also has a large collection of stuffed birds and animals representing Åland’s fauna. https://www2.visitaland.com/en/to-do/1128012/%C3%A5land-hunting-fishing-museum-entrance/showdetails?sorting=aa

he Espoo Car Museum is the most diversified and oldest vehicle museum in Finland. Objects and special exhibitions are often altered, so also those who revisit beautiful Pakankylä in Espoo may find something new. There are cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s up until family cars of the 1960s and 1970s, which have disappeared from the motoring scene. Our sports car collection is of major interest, too. Famous East European cars were imported to Finland after WW II, making up a section of their own, such as Moskvich, Yalta, Volga, Pobeda, IFA etc., and not least a Russian Chaika. You can also admire beautiful American cars. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/espoo-car-museum/

Glims Farmstead Museum is situated in the well preserved cultural landscape of Karvasmäki village, where farms and holdings were already established in the Middle Ages. http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/glims-farmstead-museum/

On the northern shore of Laajalahti Bay, in Tarvaspää, lies the Gallen-Kallela Museum, designed and built by one of Finland’s finest artists, Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Tarvaspää’s beautiful surroundings and the museum’s unique architecture provide the perfect setting for a museum visit. Originally a studio and residence, the museum opened to the public in 1961. The temporary exhibitions that present the art and life of Gallen-Kallela are shown alongside present-day works of contemporary art, while a wide range of events and activities are arranged during the year, with the museum acting as a centre for information on the great artist. Tarvaspää Cafe Zoceria is located in a delightful villa next to the museum where visitors can enjoy great coffee, snacks, salads and soups. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/gallen-kallela-museum-2/

The Pentala Archipelago Museum is located on an old fisherman’s estate on Pentala Island in Espoonlahti Bay. The museum area consists of fifteen different buildings. The oldest one is a fisherman’s cottage built in the early 1790s. The fisherman’s estate was inhabited year-round until 1986. Espoo’s maritime side is at its best on Pentala Island. The Archipelago Museum showcases life in the archipelago, from housing and hard work to villas and leisure activities. In the summer, the museum area is full of things to see and do. If you want to experience Espoo’s unique archipelago nature, simply follow a nature trail to Lake Pentalanjärvi and the Diksand beach. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/pentala-archipelago-museum-archipelago-full-history-nature/

Hanasaari is an enchanting place in the midst of the archipelago, close to the Helsinki city centre. The Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre promotes and develops interaction between Finland and Sweden, as well as co-operation in all areas of society. Hanasaari’s home is a modern well-maintained building, amply decorated with modern Finnish and Swedish art. The Hanasaari cultural centre was inaugurated on 1 June 1975 by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and President Urho Kekkonen of Finland. The building was designed by architect Veikko Malmio, and its original interior decorations by Professor Yrjö Sotamaa. An art competition was organised during the building phase, and the winner was revealed by King Carl XVI Gustaf when he inaugurated the house. The winning piece was Heikki Häiväoja‘s grand relief “Vuorovaikutus” (Interaction). Two other participating works were also purchased for Hanasaari: Marjatta Weckström‘s relief “Vuodenajat” (The seasons), which today can be seen in Restaurant Johannes, and the bronze front doors with small coloured windows embedded in them by Kauko Räsänen. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/hanasaari-swedish-finnish-cultural-centre/

Take a look at the varied works of architect Alvar Aalto. In addition to his architecture, the exhibit displays Aalto's glass and furniture design. The museum building is also designed by Alvar Aalto. https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/palveluhakemisto/195/alvar_aalto_museum

Located on Church Park and close to the pedestrian precinct, Jyväskylä Art Museum’s Holvi is a venue for pictorial art, a place for people to gather, and to interact. The main exhibition in summer 2010 showcases masterpieces from the Finnish National Gallery, Ateneum – Ladoga Karelia patrons Elisabeth and Herman Hallonblad assembled a collection of works by much-loved Finnish artists from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The lower gallery features two artists of the current generation, Jyväskylä-based Antti Jokinen and Duncan Butt Juvonen, who has a summer cottage in Uurainen. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/jyvaeskylae-art-museum/

The Ateneum is Finland’s best-known art museum and the home of Finnish art. The images held by the Ateneum are ingrained in the collective memory of the Finnish people: the beloved works in Ateneum’s collections date from the period from the 19th century to the modern age. http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/see-and-experience/sights-and-attractions/ateneum-art-museum

The museum details the history of aviation and the Finnish air force from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day: planes, aircraft engines, flying suits and equipment plus, in the new section, air surveillance, air traffic control and air navigation systems. Items on display include a Thulin Type D replica, Fokker D.XXI, Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 and Bristol Blenheim Mk IV bomber. In addition to refreshments and snacks, the café sells aviation-related books and magazines as well as scale model kits and associated items. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/aviation-museum-of-central-finland-2/

World Heritage Site Suomenlinna is a cultural treasure. Its construction began in the mid-18th century, when Finland was still part of Sweden. The development of tourism began after the wars in the 20th century, and in the 21st century, the Suomenlinna sea fortress is one of the most popular attractions in Finland. Today, the fortress and its museums, restaurants and events are a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Suomenlinna is not only a popular visitor attraction but also a home of 800 residents. The number of visitors to Suomenlinna has continued to grow, and with over 900,000 visitors every year, the sea fortress is one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations. Suomenlinna attracts visitors from both Finland and abroad: it offers an ideal environment for exploring a historical world heritage site, or just spending a day relaxing. Many visitors come to the island during the summer, but the number of wintertime visitors is steadily growing. https://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/

Porvoo Museum is both a historical museum and an art museum. The two buildings in which it is housed date from the 1760s and stand on the edge of the square beside the Old Town Hall in the heart of the oldest part of Porvoo. http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/porvoo-museum/

This private collection is open to the public during the summer months and to groups by arrangement throughout the year. One of the best toy museums in the country, exhibiting a large number of toys, all of which children have played with at some point in time. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/porvoo-doll-and-toy-museum/

Welcome to Finland’s oldest home museum! Come and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the 1860s bourgeois home (kirjailijakoti) as guests of the Finnish national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1804-1877) and his wife Fredrika (1807-1879). The museum’s unique atmosphere is created by furniture, works of art, dishes and old house plants, many of which have been grown from Fredrika’s cuttings. During the summer season you can discover the floral splendour of the house’s carefully restored garden. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/j-l-runebergs-home/

Bildmuseet in Umea is a visual meeting place for the curious. The museum exhibits both national and international contemporary art not seen anywhere else in Sweden. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, graffiti, videos, installations, photojournalism, design, architecture and the visual world of science are presented in about 15 exhibitions per year. https://www.visitumea.se/en/book/to-do/a470526/bildmuseet/showdetails?sorting=aa&filter=t%3Dbild%3Bc%3D24264

Everyone who wants to learn more about life in Västerbotten and its history should visit Västerbottens museum.It tells how the Sami people populated the forests and mountains, how fishing peoples lived along the coast and about the importance of skis as a form of transport in this region. https://www.visitumea.se/en/book/to-do/a470539/vasterbottens-museum/showdetails?filter=t%3DV%C3%A4sterbottens%20museum%3Bc%3D24264

Umeå brothers Åhdén possess one of the world’s largest privately-owned collections of guitars. You can visit the experience-based exhibition of electric guitars, basses, amps and music accessories at Umeå Guitar Museum. Do not miss the guided tours! https://visitumea.se/en/guitars-museum