Pori Art Museum
Satakunta
Pori Art Museum, established in 1979 through the initiative of professor Maire Gullichsen, is a prominent museum of contemporary and modern art located in the heart of Pori, Finland. Housed in a historic weigh house originally built in 1860 and designed by architect C. J. von Heideken, the building was renovated in the late 20th century by Kristian Gullichsen, Maire's son, blending historical architecture with modern exhibition spaces. The museum holds two main collections: the Maire Gullichsen Art Foundation collection, featuring Finnish art from the late 19th century to the 1980s, and the Pori Municipal Collection, emphasizing 20th-century Finnish art including works by Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Victor Westerholm. It also hosts rotating exhibitions that present both Finnish and international contemporary art trends, featuring artists such as Yoko Ono, Yan Pei Ming, and Dennis Oppenheim. The museum complex includes a library, picture archive, shop, and café, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural experience. Its location by the Kokemäenjoki river provides scenic views, and the building's architectural evolution reflects styles from neo-Renaissance to late Classicism. The museum serves as a regional cultural hub for Satakunta and continues to expand its collections and exhibitions, despite challenges such as a fire in 2021, which is being restored with state support.
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Tip: Visit Pori Art Museum during weekdays from Tuesday to Friday between 11 AM and 6 PM or on weekends from 10 AM to 5 PM. Check for any temporary closures or special opening hours before your visit. Entrance is free for visitors under 18 and students, and the museum accepts the Museum Card for convenient access. Consider booking guided tours in advance to enrich your experience, especially themed tours exploring Maire Gullichsen's influence. The museum's location by the river offers pleasant surroundings for a walk after your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is housed in a former weigh house built in 1860, showcasing a blend of neo-Renaissance and late Classicism architecture.
- •Maire Gullichsen, a key figure in Finnish art and co-founder of Artek, was instrumental in founding the museum and donated its foundational art collection.
- •The museum's expansion includes an underground wing with skylights, connected to the original building by a glass corridor over a former street.
- •A stone cellar dating back to the 1640s was discovered and preserved during the 2000 renovation.
- •The sculpture 'Lokki' by Harry Kivijärvi, unveiled in 1987, stands at the museum's main entrance as a tribute to Maire Gullichsen's 80th birthday.
History
The museum building was originally constructed as a weigh and packhouse between 1858 and 1860, designed by architect C.
J.
von Heideken in a neo-Renaissance style, later modified with late Classicism elements by Gustaf Nyström in 1897.
The idea to convert it into a museum arose after the customs office relocated in 1963.
In 1967, the city council approved the conversion plans, and architect Kristian Gullichsen led renovations in the 1970s.
The museum officially opened in 1981, with expansions completed in 2000, including an underground wing connected by a glass corridor.
In 2021, a fire caused damage, and the museum is currently undergoing restoration funded by the government.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Halls1860 (original building), renovated 1979-1981, expanded 2000
The primary exhibition spaces are located in the renovated weigh house featuring large windows overlooking the Kokemäenjoki river, providing natural light and scenic views that enhance the display of contemporary and modern art collections.
Underground Extension2000
Completed in 2000, this 350 m² underground wing includes skylights and connects to the original building via a glass corridor that spans the former Pakkahuoneenkatu street, blending modern architecture with historic surroundings.
Library and Picture Archive
The museum houses a specialized library and picture archive supporting research and education related to its collections and exhibitions, accessible to visitors and scholars.
Sculpture 'Lokki' by Harry Kivijärvi1987
A prominent stone sculpture named 'Lokki' (Seagull) created by Harry Kivijärvi in 1987, located at the museum's entrance as a symbol of the museum’s cultural heritage and Maire Gullichsen's influence.
Contact
Phone: 044 7011080
