Suomussalmen kotiseutumuseo

About the museum

The Suomussalmen kotiseutumuseo (Suomussalmi Local Heritage Museum) is located on the shore of Lake Kiantajärvi at Kirkkoniemi. The municipal council decided to found the museum in September 1965, and the museum opened to the public on 12 October 1967 in connection with the municipality’s 100th anniversary celebrations. The Suomussalmi parish donated the tip of Kirkkoniemi for the museum’s use. The area also contains the ruins of the old Suomussalmi church and a memorial to those who fell in the Civil War.

The museum’s objects come from school collections begun in the 1950s, a public collection drive and donations. The largest single set is the collection of the Hermanni Härkönen smithy, purchased in the 1980s. The main building is the smoke cabin (savupirtti) of the Alante house, which was moved to the museum area from the shore of Lake Alanteenjärvi. Other log buildings have been moved from various parts of the parish, and they tell of centuries of log-building tradition.

The museum has been developed with restraint, preserving the atmosphere of old times, and no electricity has been brought in. The area has functional task trails, and the museum also serves as a stage for events and theatre performances.

Highlights

• Alante pirtti, a smoke cabin from the late 18th century, moved here
• Relocated log buildings from across the parish
• Objects from the Hermanni Härkönen smithy
• Ruins of the old Suomussalmi church in the museum area
• Functional task trails for children

Founded

1967

Operated by

Suomussalmen kunta

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free. The museum shop accepts cash only.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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 main building, the Alante pirtti, can be reached by a wheelchair ramp. The area has paths, stumps and stones that may make it difficult for people with reduced mobility to get around. The museum has a traditional wooden outhouse toilet.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The museum has functional task trails, on which, among other things, treasures and museum objects are sought. Popular events include the children’s day and the midsummer festival.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A small museum shop in the Alante house, selling local products and souvenirs. Cash only.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The museum’s buildings and surroundings can be rented for parties, meetings and filming outside opening hours. Rent is €40 per event, plus staff costs (€15 per hour); the museum has no electricity.

Plan your visit