Sights in Porvoo

Gallery Vanha Kappalaisentalo

The gallery in the centre of Old Porvoo, by Raatihuoneentori Square is one of Porvoo's most beautiful galleries. The spacious, bright rooms, painted deal floors and tiles stoves of the building, which dates back to the 18th century, help to create a nostalgic atmosphere for exhibitions. The Gallery arranges art exhibitions of high standard throughout the year.

Open 11th Januari-3th Februari 2018, Tuesday-Sunday 10-16.
Closed 4th-7th Februari 2019
Free entry. Welcome!
Instagram: @galleriavanhakappalaisentalo

The Story of Gallery Vanha Kappalaisentalo

Exhibitions

Gallery at Näsi Manor

At the entrance to Porvoo at Näsi Hill is located Näsi Manor that has been a gallery since May 2017. The manor is mentioned in the 15th century, but the manor's main building, where the gallery operates, dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The gallery presents classical contemporary art from well-known artists. Exhibitions are carried out with respect to the historic mansion. The old building creates a unique framework for visual arts. In addition to art, there is a magnificent view of Old Porvoo on the other side of the river. The gallery is open for exhibitions all year round. The mansion is also rentable for private events.

Hörbergsgården

Make a journey in time back to the archipelago as it was in the 19th century! In the main farmhouse there are changing exhibitions and a small museum shop where you can buy high quality local handicrafts. 1 Jun - 31 Aug Sun 12am – 4pm. At other times by arrangement. Admission free during opening hours. At other times €50/group.

J.L. Runeberg's Home

Finland's national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg and Fredrika Runeberg lived with their sons in Porvoo. In their house museum the works of art, Runeberg's hunting weapons in the 'fox skin room', and the porcelain in the cupboards all serve as reminders of both everyday and social life of the family. In Fredrika's garden the scent of roses, mock-orange and fruit trees fill the air in summer.

Opening times

Winter season 1 Sep – 30 Apr, Wed–Sun 10 am – 4 pm.
Summer season 2 May – 31 Aug, Mon–Sun 10 am – 4 pm.

Entry fees

Adults 8 €. Reduced price 6 € for seniors, students, unemployed, and group members (min. 10 persons).
Free admission for children (under 18 years), and with Museum Card or ICOM Card.
Tickets include admission to Walter Runeberg's Sculpture Collection, open during the summer season.

Noark world

The model railway departs from Helsinki station and travels right through Finland all year round. In the summer outdoor exhibition, the Lättähattu or "Flat Hat" railcar takes you through the landscape of Porvoo and Loviisa in the 1940s and 1950s. There is also a café and the Noark boutique, which has a wide range of gifts and postcards. For children there is a play corner called Noah's Ark.

Outboard museum

In the Outboard museum you are allowed to touch the exhibits. An old salt and spice storehouse has been converted into a museum, and the collection is presented by Nils Häggblom, who is a collector of outboard motors and runs the museum. The exhibits are always changing, with more than a hundred motors on display at any one time. You can buy literature on outboard motors at the museum an it also gives a picture of what an outboard repair shop was like in the 1950s. There's always at least one motor being repaired.

Porvoo Doll and Toy Museum

Among the best toy museums in the country, the Porvoo Doll and Toy Museum has more than a thousand dolls and countless other toys on display. All of the toys in the museum have been played with – from the coat of the teddybear and the tires of the toy car you can see how beloved they have been. It is not only children who have fun in the museum, but also their parents and grand-parents, who often enjoy reminiscing about their own toys and childhood.

Porvoo Museum/ Holm House

Holm House, built in 1763, gives you an opportunity to see how a wealthy merchant family lived at the end of the 18th century. The atmosphere is enchanted by the sounds and scents, not to mention a multimedia ghost story. On the ground floor there are changing exhibitions and the Museum Shop. 

Porvoo Museum/ Old Town Hall

Finland's oldest Town Hall has exhibitions of works by masters of Finland's Golden Age of art, production of top names in Finnish industrial arts, and historical exhibitions.

Postimäki Outdoor Museum

The idyllic Postimäki museum is one of Finland’s best preserved areas of cottagers’ dwellings. The buildings date back to the 19th century, and nearly all of them are still on their original sites. Come and take a look how the craftsmen and -women lived in the 19th century. You can also take part in a handicrafts day or community singing, order a dramatised guided tour or watch a play at the summer theatre.

Sirkka Turkki - Artpark

See spell-binding exhibitions at the Artpark in Sillvik, Tolkkinen. The artist herself presents her exhibitions, and the presentation is always included in the visit (in Finnish, Swedish or English). The exhibitions include the fairytale town Rose Castle, marionettes, naïvist ceramic figures, paintings, drawings and Park of Myths. The Artpark shop sells articles at moderate prices.

Taidemakasiini Art

Art Storehouse (Taidemakasiini Art) is a gallery located at the old railway station of Porvoo. The gallery is on the walls of a shop called Wanhan Aseman Makasiinipuoti (The Old Railway Station Storehouse Shop) – pop in for the art, for a coffee or shopping.

Veterans room in Porvoo

Veterans room contains exhibits of war memorabilia belonging to local veterans as well as civil life items from the time of war and depression. Exhibits were gathered between 2010 and 2012 by Veteran associations of Porvoo and area and Defenders of Homeland associations. Veterans room is open to visitors on Saturdays and some holidays from 11am-3pm.

Special viewing times for groups are available by appointment. Admission is free.

Walter Runeberg's Sculpture Collection

Walter Runeberg (1838-1920), son of the Finnish national poet, was one of the most important Finnish sculptors of his time. The collection comprises more than 100 of his works, including sketches for well known monumental works, plaster sculptures and a large portrait gallery.

2 May – 30 Sep Mon – Sun 10am – 4 pm, at other times by arrangement. €6/adult, €3/child (7-17 y), groups (min. 10 persons) €5/person. Includes admission to J.L. Runeberg’s Home

Porvoo Cathedral

The Cathedral is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The church took its present form at the end of the 15th century. Services are held in Finnish on Sundays at 10 am and in Swedish at 12 noon. The Cathedral can accommodate 750 people and it can be reserved for baptisms, marriage ceremonies and funerals at the Parish Office. For guided tours of the Cathedral and free concerts.

Open: 1 May–30 Sept: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm, Sun and public holidays 2–5 pm. 1 Oct–30 Apr: Tue–Sat 10am–2pm, Sun and public holidays 2–4 pm.

Please note that the Cathedral’s opening hours may change due to religious ceremonies or other events.

The Little Church

The Little Church, located beside Porvoo Cathedral, was dedicated in 1740. The Church accomodates 170 people and it can be booked for christening, marriage ceremonies and funerals at the parish office.

Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church in Porvoo is open by arragement at times to be agreed separately and during services. The services are held on the second and fourth weekend of every month, with the vigil on Saturdays at 6 pm and the liturgy on Sundays at 10 am. The annual Praasniekka church festival is held on August 5–6.