Forum Marinum
Varsinais-Suomi
Forum Marinum, situated in Turku by the Aura River near the port, is Finland's national maritime and naval museum. It was established in 1999 through the merger of the Turku Maritime Museum (founded in 1977) and the Maritime Historical Museum of Åbo Akademi (founded in 1936). The museum complex includes historic warehouse buildings and a collection of museum ships. Its main exhibition, "At Work at Sea," opened in 2016, complemented by permanent displays such as the history of the Finnish sail training ship Suomen Joutsen and Finnish shipbuilding. Forum Marinum also hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing various aspects of Finnish maritime history, including naval warfare, fishing, and seafaring culture. Notable museum vessels include the 1902 frigate Suomen Joutsen, the last wooden three-masted barque Sigyn, and several naval ships like the gunboat Karjala and mine ship Keihässalmi. The museum combines historical knowledge and modern maritime skills, making it a unique cultural and educational destination for visitors interested in Finland's maritime heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Forum Marinum is during the warmer months when museum ships are accessible. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors under 7 years enter free, and various discounts are available, including for museum card holders. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events, such as the rigging workshop held seasonally. Guided tours and family-friendly activities enhance the experience.
Interesting facts
- •Forum Marinum includes the last wooden and three-masted barque in the world, the Sigyn, built in 1887 in Gothenburg.
- •The museum's collection features Suomen Joutsen, a famous sail training ship built in 1902 in Saint-Nazaire, France.
- •Forum Marinum's exhibits cover diverse maritime themes, including Finnish naval history, shipbuilding, and maritime culture.
- •The museum hosts a seasonal rigging workshop where visitors can observe and participate in sail and rigging maintenance on Suomen Joutsen.
- •The collection includes a variety of historic vessels from different eras, such as gunboats, mine ships, and a steam-powered tugboat, reflecting Finland's maritime heritage.
History
Forum Marinum was formed in 1999 by merging two maritime museums in Turku: the Turku Maritime Museum (established 1977) and the Maritime Historical Museum of Åbo Akademi (established 1936).
The museum is housed in historic warehouse buildings near Turku's port.
Over time, the museum expanded its collections to include several historic vessels significant to Finnish maritime history.
It continues to serve as a center for maritime heritage preservation and education, hosting exhibitions and maintaining museum ships that reflect Finland's naval and commercial seafaring past.
Place Guide
Suomen Joutsen1902
A majestic 1902 French-built sail training frigate, Suomen Joutsen is a centerpiece of the museum's collection. Visitors can explore its decks and learn about its five distinct phases of service history.
Sigyn1887
The Sigyn is the world's last wooden three-masted barque, built in 1887 in Gothenburg. It represents the era of wooden sailing cargo ships and is preserved as a museum ship at Forum Marinum.
Gunboat Karjala1968
A Turunmaa-class gunboat built in 1968, the Karjala represents Finland's naval defense history during the Cold War era. It is part of the museum's naval ship collection.
Mine Ship Keihässalmi1956–1957
Constructed in 1956–1957, Keihässalmi is a mine ship that served in the Finnish Navy, illustrating post-war naval mine warfare capabilities.
Bore Exhibition on the Bore Ship
Located aboard the historic Bore ship, this exhibition explores the history of the Bore, a significant vessel in Finnish maritime transport.
Contact
Phone: 040 5525477
