Ritarigalleria
A nationwide museum of Mannerheim Cross knights, located in the Humppilan Lasi shopping centre in the former glassworks in Humppila.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Ritarigalleria (Knights Gallery) opened in Humppila in 2024, and the opening celebration was held on 18 August 2024 at the Humppilan Lasi shopping centre, in the premises of the former glassworks. The museum has grown out of the Neljän ritarin koti (Home of the Four Knights) project, which began during the municipality’s 150th anniversary year.
Four Mannerheim Cross knights lived and were active in Humppila: Veikko Kaarlo “Kalle” Lehtonen, Kauko Tuomala, Hans “Hasse” Wind and Viljo Laakso. The aim of the project is to highlight Humppila’s significance during our wars: the village was an important junction for mass transport, and a high number of fallen heroes came from there relative to its population.
The museum introduces the lives and wartime paths of both well-known and lesser-known knights. Items belonging to the knights themselves and photographs are on display, and the Kunniaseinä (Honour Wall) features pictures of all 191 knights who were decorated in the Continuation War and the Lapland War. The Neljän ritarin koti display is also part of the exhibition. The museum is partly run by volunteers.
Highlights
- Honour Wall with pictures of all 191 Mannerheim Cross knights
- Original objects and photographs of the knights
- Home of the Four Knights exhibition
- Fully barrier-free access
- Small museum shop
Permanent exhibitions
- Mannerheim-ristin ritarien museo – The museum presents the lives and wartime paths of the Mannerheim Cross knights with original objects and photographs; the Honour Wall shows pictures of all 191 knights.
- Neljän ritarin koti – The display tells of four Mannerheim Cross knights who lived and were active in Humppila, and of the role of the locality during the wars.
- Founded
- 2024
- Operated by
- Humppilan kunta
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Students, conscripts and civilian service men |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 14 · Under-15s enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · The personal assistant of a holder of a disability card enters free. |
| Students & apprentices | €1.50Students, conscripts and civilian service men |
Free admission: Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month.
The prices for group guided tours are on the museum’s price list page.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is fully barrier-free. The shopping centre has an accessible toilet, and there is an accessible parking space in front of the shopping centre.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Humppila has a railway station with at least 12 trains a day. The Jubilee Line bus runs from the direction of Forssa to the railway station and to the Lasitehdas (glassworks) area.
By car
- Accessible parking
The museum is located in the Kauppakeskus Humppilan Lasi shopping centre (Lasitehtaantie 5).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The small museum shop sells books about the knights and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group guided tours are booked through the museum; details are on the price list page. |
