Urajärven kartanomuseo

About the museum

Urajärvi Manor began in the 17th century, when Queen Christina donated estate land to the Baltic German lieutenant Berent Möller. The present main building dates mainly from the 19th century, and the courtyard includes about ten buildings. The last noble owners of the manor were the siblings Hugo and Lilly von Heideman, who travelled around Europe and to Egypt with their inheritance.

From Lilly's donation and will, the manor passed to the Finnish Antiquarian Society, and it opened to the public as a museum in 1928. It is considered the first manor museum in Finland. The museum also housed an artists' residence, which offered summer lodgings to artists from various fields. In 1986 the museum was transferred to the care of the National Board of Antiquities, and in 2008–2014 it was restored to the 1910s appearance of Hugo and Lilly's time.

The National Board of Antiquities decided to close the manor museum in 2015, and in 2016 the association Urajärven kartanon ystävät ry (Friends of Urajärvi Manor), founded that year, took responsibility for keeping the museum open. Today visitors tour the manor's interior with a guide, and the grounds have a park, a swimming hut on the lake and the Hugo & Lilly café.

Highlights

• Restored von Heideman family home in 1910s style
• Guided tours and theme tours, including a ghost tour
• Large park and paths along the shore of Lake Urajärvi
• Hugo & Lilly café in the courtyard
• Digital 3D models and AR objects online

Founded

1928

Operated by

Urajärven kartanon ystävät ry

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Once per season, everyone has the opportunity to visit the museum free of charge or for a voluntary admission fee.

The Museokortti is valid for a reduced ticket.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 building and the outbuilding can be reached with a rollator or wheelchair, but the assistant has to lift the mobility aid up or down 3–4 steps together with the guide, and the exit route is then different from the usual one. The museum rooms are rather dim, and torches can be borrowed from the museum shop. The courtyard's container building has one accessible toilet. The café Hugo & Lilly's terrace is accessible; the indoor area has three steps and a threshold. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome, and other dogs only if carried in arms.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Pushchairs and prams are left outside for the duration of the tour. Children under 13 are admitted free of charge.

Getting there & parking

By car you can drive to about 100 metres from the entrance, and then take the car to the car park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café Hugo & Lilly in the courtyard; museum shop in the main building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The café premises can be rented for private events. The site also rents a lakeside sauna (€50 per evening) and a rowing boat (from €7 for the first hour).

Plan your visit