Varkauden museokeskus Konsti
The museum centre in the former Tehtaan koulu (Factory School) presents the industry, cultural history and art of Varkaus.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Konsti museum centre in Varkaus operates in the former Tehtaan koulu (Factory School) in the Vanha Varkaus (Old Varkaus) area. The building, designed by architect Karl Lindahl, was completed in 1924. Varkaus museum activities moved into the premises of the Factory School, and a new basic exhibition opened in April 2024.
Konsti houses the Varkaus Cultural History Museum and the art museum. The basic exhibition Teollisuuden tekijät (The Makers of Industry) tells of more than 200 years of industrial history in the area, and its themes include sawmilling, machine-shop and technology industries, shipbuilding and the paper and pulp industry. Lasten tehdas (Children’s Factory) is an interactive exhibition designed for children, and Rakelin salonki (Rakel’s Salon) presents the art collection of Rakel Kansanen in a salon in the spirit of the 1920s.
In the art museum section, changing art exhibitions are shown. Konsti is also a multi-purpose cultural house whose premises are rented for celebrations, meetings and events.
Highlights
- Teollisuuden tekijät basic exhibition on Varkaus’s industrial history
- Lasten tehdas (Children’s Factory) activity exhibition
- Rakel’s Salon and the Rakel Kansanen art collection
- Vanha Varkaus area and the Factory School, completed in 1924
Permanent exhibitions
- Teollisuuden tekijät – The basic exhibition tells of more than 200 years of industrial history in the Varkaus area, through its community and its expertise.
- Rakelin salonki – The salon, furnished in the spirit of the 1920s, displays the art collection of Rakel Kansanen.
- Lasten tehdas – A functional exhibition for children that introduces Varkaus industry through play and experimentation.
- Operated by
- Varkauden kaupunki
Admission & discounts
| Exhibition tour for groups (Wed–Fri 9:00–16:00), price per exhibition | €65Up to 25 people; at other times €200. |
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| Guided group tour of the Old Varkaus area (Wed–Fri 9:00–16:00) | €85Up to 25 people; at other times €200. |
Admission is free from 1 September 2026 to 31 May 2027. In summer the admission fee is €5 (reduced €3). The Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) and the Kaikukortti are valid for admission; accepted means of payment include cash, bank and credit cards and Epassi.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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 entrance has a ramp, and there is a ramp on both sides of the threshold. The outer doors do not open automatically, but pressing the doorbell summons staff to help. A stair lift reaches the second floor, and an accessible toilet is in the lobby. The hall has an induction loop, and the cultural history exhibition has ramps and benches.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
The Lasten tehdas (Children’s Factory) is an interactive exhibition designed for children, where visitors can try, among other things, a welding simulation and build a ship. The accessible toilet has a changing table.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Satakunnankatu
Local bus lines 1 (stop on Satakunnankatu) and 2 (stop on Savontie) pass Konsti.
By car
Free parking
The museum centre’s yard has free parking spaces and a charging point for electric cars for two cars. Accessible parking is in the immediate vicinity of the main entrance.
- Accessible parking
From the Central Bus Station it is about 2.1 km to the museum: about 25 minutes on foot or about 8 minutes by bicycle.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Visitors may eat their own food in a designated room in the museum.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Konsti’s premises are rented for celebrations, meetings and events.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
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| Good to know | Exhibition guided tours (of the art and cultural history exhibitions, about 45 minutes each) and guided tours of the Old Varkaus area (about 60 minutes) are booked via konsti@varkaus.fi or by telephone. Free public guided tours are announced on the museum’s event pages. |
