Merikeskus Vellamo

About the museum

Merikeskus Vellamo opened to the public on 11 July 2008 in the Kantasatama of Kotka. The building was designed by Ilmari Lahdelma and Rainer Mahlamäki, who won an architectural competition in 2004. The steel-framed building has a facade of coloured sheet metal and silk-screened glass.

Vellamo houses the Suomen merimuseo (Finnish Maritime Museum), the Kymenlaakson museo (Kymenlaakso Museum), the Merivartiomuseo (Coast Guard Museum) and Kotkan kulttuuri- ja tapahtumapalvelut (Kotka Culture and Event Services). The Finnish Maritime Museum tells of seafaring, and the Kymenlaakso Museum tells of life in the province. The Ruuma space in the foyer hosts small changing exhibitions, and admission to it is free.

Museum ships are moored at the museum quay; the icebreaker Tarmo and the lighthouse ship Kemi are open to visitors in summer. Vellamo’s library and archive services operate by arrangement.

Highlights

• Kohtalona Ruotsinsalmi: the story of the largest naval battle in the Baltic
• Boathall with boats from different decades
• Coast Guard Museum and the history of the work of the Finnish Border Guard
• Mikä-mikä-kaupunki exhibition for children
• Museum ships Tarmo and Kemi at the quay

Permanent exhibitions

• Kohtalona Ruotsinsalmi – The exhibition tells of the largest naval battle in the Baltic off Kotka, and of the fortress town built afterwards.
• Merivartiomuseo – Turvanasi merellä – The exhibition presents the work of coast guards from the Prohibition era to the present day, and it was made together with the Finnish Border Guard.
• Mikä-mikä-kaupunki – A colourful exhibition for children and their adults about a small town built at a river mouth, bounded by the sea.

Founded

2008

Admission & discounts

Free admission: From 17:00 on Wednesdays, admission to the exhibitions is free for everyone.

The outdoor exhibition space Kuuri is free of charge. Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) and Kaikukortti are accepted, as are Epassi and Edenred culture benefits. War veterans and Lotat (Lottas) with their assistants, and integration and rehabilitation groups (advance registration at info@merikeskusvellamo.fi), enter free of charge. Tickets can be bought online in advance.

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

Wheelchairs, rollators and adjustable walking sticks can be borrowed. The lift serves the ticket hall on the first floor and the exhibition floors; the entrance and exhibition spaces have automatic doors. The accessible toilet and changing room are in the entrance hall next to the cloakroom. Induction loops are at the ticket desk, in the auditorium and in the teaching spaces. Magnifying glasses and ear protectors can be borrowed. Accessible parking spaces are next to the main entrance. The museum ships are not barrier-free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Mikä-mikä-kaupunki (What-What Town) is a colourful exhibition for children and their adults about a small town built at a river mouth. The accessible toilet has a changing table.

Getting there & parking

Kotka is 130 km from Helsinki, 115 km from Lahti and 110 km from Lappeenranta, on the E18 motorway.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Restaurant Laakonki serves coffee, brunch and lunch. Museum shop Plootu.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Vellamo’s premises can be booked for events; bookings and guided tours are arranged on weekdays 9:00–16:00.

Plan your visit