Ilmajoki Museum
Etelä-Pohjanmaa
Ilmajoki Museum is situated on the western bank of the Kyrönjoki River in Ilmajoki, South Ostrobothnia, Finland. The museum occupies a building completed in 1914, designed by architect Aarne Sarvela and master builder Valle Antila, based on the plans of Ilmajoki's old church from the 1600s. Its tower design was inspired by Naantali Church. The museum grounds include several relocated historical buildings such as the former funeral chapel serving as a church museum, a windmill, market and grain barns, and the Aalto artillery heritage house. Adjacent to the museum is the statue of Ilkka, a notable local historical figure. Additionally, the nearby Yli-Laurosela farmhouse museum preserves and presents the South Ostrobothnian peasant and architectural culture, offering visitors an immersive experience of 19th-century rural life. The farmhouse museum operates seasonally with a café named Korvapuusti, providing a charming setting to learn about regional traditions. Ilmajoki Museum uniquely combines architectural heritage, local history, and cultural exhibitions to celebrate the area's rich rural past.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Yli-Laurosela farmhouse museum is from early June to mid-August when the museum and café are open. Guided tours are available by reservation from May to September, ideal for groups and events. It is recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially for groups, to fully experience the 19th-century South Ostrobothnian lifestyle. The café offers seasonal refreshments and can also be reserved for private functions such as family celebrations or meetings.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building was designed based on the plans of Ilmajoki's second church from the 1600s.
- •The church tower design was inspired by the Naantali Church tower.
- •Several historic buildings have been relocated to the museum grounds, including a former funeral chapel and traditional barns.
- •The statue of Ilkka, a prominent local historical figure, stands on the field next to the museum.
- •Yli-Laurosela farmhouse museum preserves South Ostrobothnian peasant architecture and culture.
History
Ilmajoki Museum was established in 1914 in a building modeled after the 17th-century Ilmajoki church, incorporating architectural elements from Naantali Church's tower.
Over time, the museum expanded its grounds by relocating several historic buildings, including a former funeral chapel now serving as a church museum.
The site has preserved and showcased South Ostrobothnian rural heritage and architecture, reflecting the area's cultural identity.
The addition of the Yli-Laurosela farmhouse museum further enriched the museum complex by highlighting peasant life and building traditions from the 19th century.
Place Guide
Museum Building1914
The main museum building, completed in 1914, was designed by architect Aarne Sarvela and master builder Valle Antila, based on the 17th-century Ilmajoki church plans. It houses exhibitions on local history and culture.
Church Museum (Former Funeral Chapel)
A relocated former funeral chapel now serving as a church museum, showcasing religious artifacts and the ecclesiastical history of Ilmajoki.
Traditional Buildings
The museum grounds include traditional structures such as a windmill, market barns, grain barns, and the Aalto artillery heritage house, illustrating rural life and architecture in South Ostrobothnia.
Ilkka Statue
A statue of Ilkka, a notable historical figure from the region, stands on the field adjacent to the museum, symbolizing local heritage and pride.
Contact
Phone: 044 5324191
