Särestöniemi-museo

About the museum

The Särestöniemi Museum is the home and art museum of the painter and professor Reidar Särestöniemi (1925–1981), in Kaukonen in Kittilä on the banks of the Ounasjoki. Särestöniemi was born at the Särestö farm, and with his success he had two studio spaces built next to his family home. The gallery designed by Reima and Raili Pietilä was completed in 1972, and the studio home in 1978.

The museum area includes three exhibition buildings far apart from one another: the Gallery, the Studio Home and Vanha Särestö (Old Särestö), built in 1873, a traditional building in the Peräpohjola style. Reidar Särestöniemi’s works are always on display in the Gallery. The Lapland Environment Centre designated the property as protected in 2004.

It is advisable to allow plenty of time for a visit, as the buildings are located in a forest area and must be walked between. The museum has a café and a museum shop, and visitors can take guided tours and art workshops.

Highlights

• The art of Reidar Särestöniemi in the Gallery
• Gallery and studio designed by Reima and Raili Pietilä
• Vanha Särestö, built in 1873
• Peaceful, nature-based setting on the banks of the Ounasjoki
• Guided tours, art workshops and café

Permanent exhibitions

• Reidar Särestöniemen taide Galleriassa – Reidar Särestöniemi’s works are always on display in the Gallery.
• Vanha Särestö – A traditional Peräpohjola-style building from 1873, Reidar Särestöniemi’s childhood home.

Admission & discounts

Free admission with an ICOM card and the Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card). Prices 2026–2027.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

The museum consists of three separate buildings in a forest area, and the terrain varies. Only the café building is wheelchair-accessible; the other buildings are reached by stairs (there is no handrail on the Gallery stairs). An accessible toilet and a changing table are in the café building. Accessible parking is near the café building. Seating in the exhibition rooms can be requested from the café or the ticket sales. Guide dogs are welcome; your own dog may be brought into the museum area and the café, but not into the exhibition rooms. In winter a torch can be borrowed from the café.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The café building has a changing table. Families are offered activities for children at no extra charge, as well as art workshops.

Getting there & parking

Drive from main road 79 to Kaukonen, then follow the signs along the gravel forest road to the museum (Särestöntie 880). The road is narrow and of coarse gravel, so keep your speed moderate. It is about one hour from the centre of Levi.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café (tickets are sold at the café) and a museum shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit