Valamon luostarimuseo
The monastery museum in the cultural centre of New Valamo presents the history of the monastery, church objects and an extensive collection of icons.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Valamo Monastery Museum at Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi was opened in June 2019 after a thorough renovation. It presents the history of the monastery and its church objects. The museum is one of the most important presentations of Orthodox culture and life in Finland, and much of the collection is on display for the first time. It is located on the lower floor of the exhibition hall of the cultural centre.
The story of the monastery is told with paintings, objects and photographs. On display are the monastery's oldest textiles, imperial gifts, and crosses, headdresses and gospel books of the clergy from the 19th century. The most significant treasures are the diamond cross given by Emperor Alexander I in 1822 and the communion veils donated by Countess Amalie Adlerberg in 1864. The museum's icon collection is extensive: alongside the monastery's own rarities, it includes the icon collection of Katri and Harri Willamo, held by the Valamo Foundation, at the heart of which are folk icons painted in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum also tells of the monastery's history: in the winter of 1939–1940 almost two hundred monks were evacuated from Valamo on Lake Ladoga because of the war, first to Kannonkoski and in summer 1940 to Papinniemi in Heinävesi, where the monastery bought the Saastamoinen manor as its new site.
Highlights
- Diamond cross given by Emperor Alexander I in 1822
- Extensive Willamo icon collection
- Oldest textiles of the monastery
- Crosses, headdresses and gospel books of the clergy from the 19th century
- Story of the evacuation of Valamo and resettlement in Heinävesi
Permanent exhibition
- Luostarimuseo – The museum presents the history of Valamo Monastery and its church objects, as well as the Willamo icon collection.
- Operated by
- Valamon luostari
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Under-18s enter free. |
| Guided monastery tour (summer 2026) | €10Children aged 4–14: €5. Tickets from reception. |
The same admission ticket (€12) also gives access to the art exhibition of the cultural centre.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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 can be reached by stairs and by lift, and the entrance of the cultural centre has a wheelchair ramp. The monastery grounds have accessible toilets and two accessible parking spaces near the reception building. However, the grounds have changes in level and paths with gravel and crushed-stone surfaces, and the historic buildings limit accessibility. An assistant is recommended if needed; visits can be arranged in advance at reception.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Café-restaurant Trapesa, souvenir shop Tuohus and the monastery's wine shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The monastery's guided tours cover both churches on the grounds and the history of the monastery. In summer 2026 public guided tours were held daily in Finnish and English at 12:00; at other times tours are arranged for groups on request. |
