Biologinen museo

About the museum

The Biologinen museo began its activities on 15 July 1907. It originated from a donation by Vice Consul Alfred Jacobsson and his wife Helene. It is located in an ornate wooden Art Nouveau building designed by architect Alexander Nyström, on Samppalinnanmäki next to Urheilupuisto, and it is part of the Turku City Museum.

The museum’s dioramas, the naturalistic landscape scenes, were made by the Swedish taxidermist and naturalist Gustaf Kolthoff (1845–1913), who had created a similar set for the Biologiska museet in Stockholm. His son Kjell Kolthoff painted the background landscapes of the dioramas in oils. The oldest dioramas have survived in almost their original form since the museum opened.

The permanent exhibition has 13 dioramas presenting Finnish nature from the outer archipelago to the Lapland fells. Of the roughly 250 bird species that breed in Finland, 143 species are on display, and 30 mammal species are represented. In the museum courtyard there is also an outdoor exhibition about urban nature.

Highlights

• 13 dioramas of Finnish nature from the archipelago to Lapland
• Original landscapes from 1907 by Gustaf and Kjell Kolthoff
• Wooden Art Nouveau building by architect Alexander Nyström
• Audio guide and tactile sensory points
• Outdoor exhibition about urban nature in the museum courtyard

Permanent exhibitions

• Dioraamat – The 13 dioramas of the permanent exhibition present Finnish nature from the outer archipelago to the Lapland fells, with 143 bird species and 30 mammal species on display.
• Piha ja puisto – The outdoor exhibition in the museum courtyard tells about urban nature through information boards, insect hotels and interactive tasks.

Founded

1907

Operated by

Turun kaupunginmuseo

Visitors per year

approx. 9,769

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free Fridays 14:00–16:00: 25 September, 30 October and 27 November 2026.

Admission is free for Turku residents in primary and secondary school groups, and for holders of the Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card), ICOM card and press card. Payment methods: cash, the most common bank and credit cards, ePassi and Edenred.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The museum is located on a hill, and a steep asphalt slope leads up to the courtyard. The main entrance has two steps and a 3 cm threshold. Two barrier-free entrances are at the back of the building, and staff open them when you ring the doorbell. The barrier-free toilet is next to the ticket desk, which has an induction loop. The exhibition is on one floor; a children’s platform in front of the landscape scenes may make viewing difficult from a wheelchair. The exhibition has tactile sensory points with Braille and a tactile map; a torch and magnifying glass can be borrowed. The screens offer easy-read language among their language options. One LE (accessible) parking space is in the courtyard area.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The museum holds events for children and families, and there is a platform for children in front of the dioramas. Pushchairs can be left in the space next to the barrier-free entrance. Changing facilities are in the museum’s toilets. There are separate guided tours for schools and nurseries.

Getting there & parking

The walk from the Market Square via Teatterisilta is about 1 km. From the Sepänkatu stop to the museum is about 550 metres.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Museum shop and free left-luggage facilities by the entrance. The courtyard has a terrace where you may eat your own food.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit