Jyväskylän yliopiston Luontomuseo

About the museum

The Luontomuseo is part of the Jyväskylän yliopiston Tiedemuseo (University of Jyväskylä Science Museum), which belongs to the university's Avoimen tiedon keskus (Open Knowledge Centre). The museum records, researches and presents the richness of Central Finland's nature in its various habitats and species groups. It operates on the first floor of Harjun Vesilinna at Ihantolantie 5.

The basic exhibition Perintönä ympäristö (A Heritage of the Environment) tells of biodiversity and the protection of species and the environment, and it has been designed especially with environmental education in mind. The exhibition introduces the most significant natural sites of Central Finland, from the oldest bedrock to modern habitats. Its themes are predators, winter nature, waters, and forest and bog nature; the geology section deals with the Ice Age, soil and the structure of the Earth.

Alongside the basic exhibition there are changing theme exhibitions. The museum has a small museum shop, Luontosoppi, and on the upper floor of the Vesilinna there is a restaurant and an observation tower.

Highlights

• The basic exhibition Perintönä ympäristö on the nature of Central Finland
• Predators, winter nature, waters, and forest and bog nature
• Geology section: Ice Age, soil and the structure of the Earth
• Nature sounds and bird recordings in the exhibition
• Free admission and the Vesilinna observation tower

Permanent exhibition

• Perintönä ympäristö – The basic exhibition presents the most significant natural sites of Central Finland and its biodiversity; its themes are predators, winter nature, waters, and forest and bog nature, and the geology section deals with the Ice Age and soil.

Founded

2002

Operated by

Jyväskylän yliopisto, Tiedemuseo

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission to the museum. Only card payment is accepted in the museum shop.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Wheelchair users can move about freely in the exhibition areas. The main door of the building and the museum door are fairly heavy, and their threshold is 30 mm; staff will help if needed. The lift is to the left of the main entrance. An accessible toilet is on the second floor, in the foyer of the Vesilinna restaurant. The observation tower cannot be reached by lift; the stairs have to be climbed. The museum has no wheelchair to lend. Lighting is dim because of the storage conditions of the specimens; torches can be borrowed from the museum shop. There is no induction loop. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome also in the exhibition areas; pets may be taken to the observation tower. Please avoid strong fragrances.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Prams may be brought into the exhibition areas. The changing table is in the accessible toilet of the upstairs restaurant. The auditorium has a colouring table, and you may eat your own packed food there.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the first floor of Harjun Vesilinna.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers: not available

The museum shop Luontosoppi sells nature-themed souvenirs, soft toys, books and postcards. The restaurant Vesilinna upstairs sells food. Cloakroom hooks are in the foyer and in front of the museum shop; lockable storage lockers are not in use. Eating is allowed only in the museum's auditorium.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit