Pohjanmaan museo

About the museum

The activity of the Pohjanmaan museo (Ostrobothnian Museum) began in 1895, when the Pohjanmaan historiallisen museon yhdistys (Ostrobothnian Historical Museum Association) started collecting objects in Vaasa. The first temporary exhibition opened in 1896. The museum building in Marian Park, designed by the architect Eino Forsman, was inaugurated in June 1930, and in 1969 the new exhibition wing designed by the architect Erik Kråström was completed.

The museum is closely associated with the physician and art collector Karl Hedman (1864–1931), who lived with his wife Elin in the top floor of the building. In 1931 the Hedmans donated their antiques and art collections to a foundation they had established, and the collections passed to the City of Vaasa in 1997. The museum was named a provincial museum in 1981 and a regional art museum in 1983, and today it operates as a regional responsibility museum. The museum association ran the activities until 1990, when the City of Vaasa took responsibility for the collections and the staff.

The museum has three long-term exhibitions based on its collections. Terranova tells of the nature of the Kvarken and its world heritage, Vaasa 400 tells of the history of the city from its founding in 1606 to the 1920s, and the Hedmanin kerros (Hedman Floor) presents silver, ceramics, antiques and visual art. In addition, the museum has three to five changing exhibitions a year.

Highlights

• Terranova: nature and world heritage of the Kvarken
• Vaasa 400 exhibition on the city’s history
• Hedmanin kerros (Hedman Floor): silver, ceramics and antiques
• Ostrobothnian folk art and archipelago culture
• Museum café and museum shop

Permanent exhibitions

• Terranova – The basic natural history exhibition tells of the Kvarken’s world heritage, the Ice Age and the relationship between people and the maritime nature.
• Vaasa 400 – The basic exhibition tells of the history of Vaasa from the founding of the city in 1606 to the 1920s, and also presents Ostrobothnian folk art and archipelago culture.
• Aarteita meiltä ja merten takaa – The exhibition on the Hedman floor presents Finnish and foreign silver, ceramics, antiques and visual art collected by Karl and Elin Hedman.

Founded

1895

Operated by

Vaasan kaupunki (Vaasan museot)

Admission & discounts

One admission ticket is valid on the same day for a visit to the Pohjanmaan museo, the Tikanojan taidekoti (Tikanoja Art Home) and the Kuntsin modernin taiteen museo (Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art). The Museokortti and the Kaikukortti are accepted. Guided tours are free of charge for Vaasa city schools and day-care centres.

Accessibility

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

The entrance is step-free, and the exhibition floors can be reached by lift. The exhibitions are step-free apart from the money vault (rahakammio), and the door of the Hopeahuone (Silver Room) is 74 cm wide. The museum has an accessible toilet, and a wheelchair and pushchairs can be borrowed. Easy-read and audio-described guided tours are available on order.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The permanent exhibitions Vaasa 400 and Terranova are especially suitable for children. The Museokärppä (Museum Fly) soft toy guides children and families. A baby-changing room and pushchairs for loan are available.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Marian Park, about a 15-minute walk from the Vaasa market square.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum café and museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The public spaces available for hire include the Terranova auditorium and the museum café; catering can be arranged separately.

Plan your visit