Gallen-Kallelan Museo

About the museum

The museum is located at Tarvaspää on the shore of Laajalahti bay in Espoo, in the studio castle that the painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela designed himself and built in 1911–1913. The building combines a national romantic studio space, a tower reminiscent of Central European castle architecture and a loggia imitating Italian Renaissance design.

The museum foundation was established in 1958, and Tarvaspää opened to the public as the Gallen-Kallela Museum in 1961. The museum conveys knowledge about the artist's life and art, presents his works and those of his contemporaries, and organises changing exhibitions.

In the courtyard there is a wooden villa built in the 1850s, which now houses a café. Tarvaspää was built on the grounds of Alberga manor.

Highlights

• Studio castle designed by the artist himself
• National romantic studio space, tower and loggia
• Audio guides and house brochures
• Café in the wooden villa in the courtyard
• Location on the shore of Laajalahti bay

Founded

1958

Visitors per year

approx. 99,000

Admission & discounts

Museokortti and Kaikukortti are accepted. Epassi and Edenred are accepted as payment methods. Admission is also free for members of the museum's friends' club, conscripts and civilian servicemen, veterans, peacekeepers and Lotta Svärd members, Ukrainians and asylum seekers, staff of other museums, and holders of ICOM and ICOMOS cards.

Accessibility

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

Only part of the historic building is accessible by wheelchair. A public toilet is across from the museum in the café building. Holders of a disabled parking permit may park next to the café building.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Prams are left on the porch in front of the museum, and prams may only be taken to the ground floor. A baby carrier can be borrowed. The larger toilet has a changing table.

Getting there & parking

Drive from Turunväylä at the Vermonsolmu junction (junction 46) to Tarvaspääntie and on to Gallen-Kallelantie. Bicycle racks are on the slope of the access road; in summer there is a city bike station near the car park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Cafe Zoceria Tarvaspää operates in the historic wooden villa and expands into a garden in summer. The museum shop is also available online. Large backpacks and bags can be left on the hooks next to the cash desk or in a lockable backpack locker.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit