Suomen kantelemuseo

About the museum

The Finnish Kantele Museum opened in the Pelimannitalo in Palokka, Jyväskylä, on 27 February 2009, the eve of Kalevala Day. The museum was founded by instrument researcher Kari Dahlblom (1955–2017), who had studied the kantele for more than thirty years across Finland and in the areas where it was played. The museum began with a collection of about forty kanteles, and by 2021 it held around 160 instruments.

The museum is on the upper floor of the Pelimannitalo. The Pelimannitalo was built from a grain storehouse more than 150 years old, and the building is owned by the Jyväskylän seudun Kansanmusiikkiyhdistys (Jyväskylä Region Folk Music Association). The museum displays several kantele models from different periods and regions: besides Finland, there are instruments from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Russia, but the focus is on the Central Finnish kantele tradition.

Among the museum’s rarities are the kantele of master fiddler Arvi Pokela, built by Juho Tamminen from Saarijärvi, a double kantele built by Tuure Peltonen from Uurainen, and a kantele by Pasi Jääskeläinen from Haapavesi. A visit can include a guided tour and live music.

Highlights

• Collection of around 160 kanteles
• Central Finnish kantele tradition
• Kantele of master fiddler Arvi Pokela
• Double kantele built by Tuure Peltonen from Uurainen
• Guided tours and live music during a museum visit

Permanent exhibition

• Kantelekokoelma – The museum displays kanteles from different periods and regions of Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Russia; the focus is on the Central Finnish kantele tradition.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Jyväskylän seudun Kansanmusiikkiyhdistys

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 located on the upper floor of the Pelimannitalo.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The Pelimannitalo is about a ten-minute journey from Jyväskylä city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The modern part of the Pelimannitalo has a café.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 130 guests.

The Pelimannitalo can be rented as a venue for celebrations, meetings and events: the banquet hall has 90 seats, and the concert space holds 130 people.

Plan your visit