Nurmeksen museo
The cultural-history museum of the city of Nurmes, on the ground floor of Nurmes House; the free-admission Kötsi Museum tells the history of Nurmes through the people and phenomena of the district.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The object collection of the Nurmes museum is based on a donation by the farmer Väinö Hämäläinen (1883–1947), comprising more than 3,000 objects and over a thousand photographs. The other major holding is the donation made to the town museum by Nurmes-seura (Nurmes Society) in the early 1980s: a collection of more than a thousand agriculture-related objects, which had previously been displayed in a former grain storehouse.
Today the museum's object collection includes about 22,000 objects and its photograph collection about 86,000 pictures. The largest photograph holdings include the Ylä-Karjalan kuva-arkisto (Upper Karelia picture archive) and the Kuva-Vakka collection. In addition to local collections, the museum documents Romani culture at national level.
The museum has two sites. The Kötsi Museum operates on the ground floor of Nurmes House and is open all year round. The museum's offices and storage are in Ikola, where an outdoor museum is open in summer.
Highlights
- Renewed basic exhibition on the history of Nurmes through personal stories
- The history of Karelian evacuees, the Palm Romani family, transport and business
- Kino-Soinnu miniature cinema and short documentaries on Nurmes
- Ikola open-air museum: Rantola house, a double granary and a meadow barn, and dwarf goats
- Free admission to the Kötsi Museum
Permanent exhibitions
- Kötsin museon perusnäyttely – The exhibition presents the history of Nurmes through the life stories of people: Karelian evacuees, the Palm Romani family, and the development of transport and business. Short films about Nurmes are also included.
- Ikolan ulkomuseo – In the former cowshed, the history of the Kuokkastenkoski ironworks, the fire service, and dairy and farming activities is presented. The outdoor area holds the Rantola house and a double granary and meadow barn from the 18th century.
- Operated by
- Nurmeksen kaupunki
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission to the Kötsi Museum is free. The Museokortti is valid.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
There is plenty of parking in front of Nurmes House along Kötsintie and next to the house; the neighbouring car park has two electric-car charging points.
The Kötsi Museum is on the lowest floor of Nurmes House.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
Up to 40 guests.
Ikola pirtti (about 40 people, kitchen and two toilets) for €10 per hour or €35 per day when the open-air museum is closed. The foyer of the Kötsi Museum is rented only for purposes related to the museum's activities.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Free guided tours for groups are offered during the museums' opening hours. Films can be watched independently in Kino-Soinnu or on the foyer wall. |
