Heinola Art Museum: Drawing crowds with historic architecture and inspiring exhibitions
By Molly McPharlin | Photos: Heinola Museums
Located in the idyllic city centre of Heinola, less than two hours from Helsinki, Heinola Art Museum occupies a set of beautifully preserved wooden buildings, among the town’s oldest. Since first opening its doors in 1991, the space has been delighting visitors with its exciting exhibitions and historic architecture.
Originally the home and workspace of local merchant Alexander Toropoff, Heinola Art Museum offers temporary exhibitions of both national and international importance. In addition, the museum houses the permanent collection of the Minister P. J. Hynninen Art Foundation Library, comprising around 4,000 volumes, as well as the Spranger and Henry Lönnfors collection, which showcases European porcelain from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Having undergone renovation and restoration work in 2025, Heinola Art Museum is now fully accessible and welcomes all visitors. Designed by master carpenter Jacob Nygrén, many of the building’s details, such as its tiled stoves and painted decorative ceilings, have been preserved. “These refined interiors are particularly evident in the Empire-style library and porcelain room,” says Riitta Koskinen of Heinola Art Museum. “It’s a perfect building to visit for anyone interested in preservation, architecture and renovation.”

Throughout 2026, the museum will host a variety of exhibitions. In March, there will be a photography display of the work of Svante Gullichsen, a young Finnish photographer who has exhibited both in Finland and internationally. And from May to September, the museum will feature the vibrant art of Stockholm-based artist Mari Rantanen. Koskinen says: “We welcome everyone to come visit our museum and see all it has to offer.”

www.heinola.fi/museot
www.svantegullichsen.com
www.marirantanen.com

