Kuopion museo

About the museum

The Kuopion museo building was handed over for use on 2 July 1907. Kuopio architect J. V. Strömberg designed it in the National Romantic Jugend style, and tower-like parts that emphasise its castle-like appearance were built, one of which was constructed as a hose-drying tower for the volunteer fire brigade. Construction began in 1905 and cost about 130,000 marks. On the wall of the main staircase is Juho Rissanen’s fresco Rakentajat (The Builders) from 1909.

The museum’s collections began with the Kuopio Patriotic Society (Kuopion Isänmaallinen Seura), which started historical and ethnographic collecting, and the Kuopio Friends of Nature Association (Kuopion Luonnonystävien yhdistys), which founded a natural history museum. The building was renovated for museum use in 1968–1971, after the library had moved out. In 2018–2021 the museum was closed during a major renovation and new construction, and it was merged with the central city library into the Kantti block (Kantti-kortteli).

The museum displays exhibitions of Kuopion kulttuurihistoriallinen museo and Kuopion luonnonhistoriallinen museo. The museum is run by the City of Kuopio museums.

Highlights

• Ihmisen aika exhibition on the history of North Savo from the Stone Age to the present
• Muuttuva luonto exhibition on the nature of Eastern Finland
• Toden ja tarun rajalla exhibition on folk tradition and the Ajastaika experience
• Juho Rissanen’s fresco Rakentajat in the main staircase
• Play area for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Ihmisen aika – The exhibition tells of the history of North Savo, from the arrival of the Stone Age inhabitants to present-day cultural phenomena, and of everyday life, festivals and objects of the people.
• Muuttuva luonto – The exhibition presents the natural history of Eastern Finland, from a mammoth tusk through the depths of old forests and lakes to landscapes shaped by people.
• Toden ja tarun rajalla – The exhibition deals with cultural history and natural science, folk tradition, myths and beliefs, arranged according to the calendar year. It includes the interactive Ajastaika experience.

Operated by

Kuopion kaupungin museot

Admission & discounts

The Museokortti and the Kaikukortti are valid. School groups and veterans enter free. Some special exhibitions may have a higher ticket price. An English-language private guided tour costs €80 (maximum 25 people).

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

All entrances are step-free and the outer doors open electronically. A lift serves all floors. The fire doors in the exhibition spaces are opened by hand and are heavy. The smoke hut (savutupa), the room presenting the museum’s history and the play area are not step-free. The accessible toilet is in the basement of the new wing. An induction loop is available in the teaching room, the multi-purpose room, the public areas and at customer service. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome. Exhibition areas on all floors have seating. The museum offers guided tours for special groups, and Kuopio residents over 60 can order a volunteer culture guide free of charge.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Playground / play area

On the second floor there is a play area for children.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is at Museokatu 1. The old entrance on Vanha Kauppakatu is no longer in use.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café Kantti and the museum shop. Free locker storage is on the lower floor of the new wing; large bags, backpacks and umbrellas must be left in storage.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit