Suomen jäähdytystekniikan museo

About the museum

The Finnish Refrigeration Technology Museum was founded in Antaverkka, Ylöjärvi, on 23 February 1986. Operations began in the loft of the cowshed at the Härkilevo farm, and in the early 1990s a new section built specially for museum use was completed, where larger machines could fit. The museum turned 30 in 2016.

The founder of the museum, Vuorineuvos (Counsellor of Commerce) Paavo V. Suominen, had collected objects from the refrigeration industry since 1946. For a long time the museum was in the possession of its founder, and in spring 2004 it was given its own foundation, which manages the museum and continues Suominen's work. The museum aims to tell the history of the Finnish refrigeration industry from ice blocks carried from lakes to the latest technology. It is Finland's only museum of its field.

The museum has more than 300 objects, and many of them are unique. The best known are the Audiffren ball refrigeration machinery, used in Hotel Torni from 1905 to 1952, which was the world's first fully enclosed refrigeration machine, and an ice-and-salt cabinet more than a hundred years old that belonged to the parents of President Risto Ryti. Also on display are early measuring devices for refrigeration and a Hall of Fame room presenting people who developed the field.

Highlights

• Audiffren ball refrigeration machinery from 1905
• Ice-and-salt cabinet of President Risto Ryti's parents
• More than 300 objects from the history of refrigeration
• Hall of Fame room for influential people in the field
• St Michael's Chapel (Pyhän Mikaelin kappeli) in the courtyard, free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Jäähdytystekniikan museon perusnäyttely – The exhibition presents the development of the refrigeration industry from natural ice to mechanical refrigeration technology, including ball refrigeration machinery, refrigerators and measuring devices.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Suomen Jäähdytystekniikan Museon Säätiö

Admission & discounts

The admission ticket includes a guided tour of the museum and a visit to St Michael's Chapel, which is also free to enter otherwise. War veterans, war invalids and Lottas enter free during standard opening hours. Payment methods are cash and MobilePay.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From Ylöjärvi centre, drive about 5 km along the old Kuruntie towards Mutala, turn right onto Antaverkantie, then right again onto Pihkaperäntie and left onto Härkilevontie. Black direction signs lead to the museum from the old Kuruntie.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Coffee and a bun are available at the museum (€2.50).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The museum can host a meeting or team day for groups (10–60 people), with an auditorium for 30 people and catering on request.

Plan your visit