Sodan ja rauhan keskus Muisti

About the museum

Sodan ja rauhan keskus Muisti (Muisti – Centre of War and Peace) is a science centre that tells of the effects of war on people and society. Its work is based on domestic and international war research in the humanities and social sciences, and its exhibition work is guided by a scientific advisory board. The exhibitions use the latest technology and aim to teach by doing, including in history and social sciences.

The Defence Forces’ Headquarters was located in Mikkeli during all the wars of the independence era. The Päämajamuseo was founded in the early 1970s and expanded in 2001. Today the Headquarters Museum and Muisti form a unified complex, and their exhibitions deal with the themes of war and peace and with war as a phenomenon. A single admission ticket gives access to all the exhibitions.

Muisti’s main exhibition, Poikkeustila 2.0 (state of emergency), tells of the Second World War as experienced by Finns: how the war affected people and society, and how the generations who lived through it survived and built Finland and Europe. The Headquarters Museum presents the conduct of the war from 1939 to 1945, and Marshal Mannerheim’s study and the army office of the Operations Department are on display in their original wartime condition. The exhibition area totals 1,080 square metres, with more than 600 historical photographs and 81 media players.

Highlights

• Main exhibition Poikkeustila 2.0 (state of emergency)
• Marshal Mannerheim’s study in its original condition
• Army office of the Operations Department
• Presentation of the Headquarters signals centre Lokki
• Rainbow tour of the history of sexual and gender minorities

Permanent exhibitions

• Poikkeustila 2.0 – Muisti’s main exhibition tells of the Second World War as experienced by Finns, and of the effects of war on people and society.
• Päämajamuseo – The exhibition presents the conduct of the war and its leaders in 1939–1945; Marshal Mannerheim’s study and the army office of the Operations Department are in their original wartime condition.

Operated by

Sodan ja rauhan keskus Muisti

Admission & discounts

One admission ticket gives access to all exhibitions. The Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) is accepted. Free admission also for teachers accompanying school and student groups, journalists planning media content, and ICOM members. Accepted payment methods are cash, common payment and credit cards, and the Edenred and ePassi apps.

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

The main entrance is barrier-free and the main door is automatic. Next to the entrance is a lift that gives access to the lobby, the ticket desk and the exhibition floors; a second lift is on the Headquarters Museum side. The exhibition route has spacious corridors without thresholds, while the Headquarters Museum side has a few thresholds. Accessible toilets are in the lobby, on the lower floor of the Headquarters Museum and next to the café. A wheelchair can be borrowed from the lobby. Accessible parking is closest to the building. Guide dogs are welcome; other dogs must wait outside.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

• Baby changing facilities

Children under 12 may enter the exhibitions only under adult supervision. The accessible toilet has a changing room.

Getting there & parking

There is room in front of Muisti for two coaches; it is advisable to book a group visit in advance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

The Rauha café-restaurant serves lunch and coffee. The Muisti shop sells souvenirs and gifts. The lobby has a free unattended cloakroom and lockable lockers. Visitors can use WLAN.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Meeting rooms, meeting packages and party and Christmas party services at the Rauha café-restaurant.

Plan your visit