Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova
Varsinais-Suomi
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a distinctive museum located in the heart of Turku, Finland, housed in the historic Rettig Palace on the east bank of the Aura River. Established in 1995, the museum uniquely blends the city's medieval archaeology with modern and contemporary art. The museum is divided into two parts: Aboa Vetus features an underground archaeological site displaying ruins of five medieval stone houses, along with artifacts revealing life in medieval Turku. The site also includes the historic Luostarin jokikatu street, a main thoroughfare before the great fire of 1827. Ars Nova showcases contemporary art through both a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, housed in the palace's upper floors which retain original baroque-classical architectural elements and overlook a French-style garden. The museum's art collection includes over 600 works from Finnish and international artists, with pieces by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney among others. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Southwest Finland, offering visitors an immersive experience that connects Turku's deep historical roots with vibrant modern creativity.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or outside peak tourist seasons to avoid crowds. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure entry and check for available discounts, including concessions for students and seniors. Explore both the archaeological underground and contemporary art exhibitions for a comprehensive experience. Allocate time to enjoy the French garden visible from the Ars Nova section. The museum is accessible by public transport and offers visitor information in multiple languages.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is Finland's only archaeological museum combining medieval ruins with contemporary art.
- •The archaeological area includes ruins of five medieval stone houses and the historic Luostarin jokikatu street.
- •The museum building, Rettig Palace, was originally a private residence built in 1928 in baroque-classical style.
- •The art collection features works by internationally renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney.
- •Since 2003, the museum has hosted eight Turku Biennales, curated contemporary art exhibitions attracting international attention.
History
The museum was founded in 1995 and is situated in the Rettig Palace, a baroque-classical building completed in 1928 by architects Valter and Bertel Jung.
The archaeological section, Aboa Vetus, was developed around medieval stone house ruins excavated between 1992 and 1995, with ongoing research continuing since 2005.
The museum preserves and presents the medieval urban fabric of Turku, including the Luostarin jokikatu street, which existed before the devastating city fire of 1827.
The contemporary art section, Ars Nova, complements the historical exhibits and opened alongside the museum's foundation, expanding in 2011 with a new gallery space for smaller exhibitions and artist residencies.
The museum's name, meaning "Old Turku and New Art," reflects its mission to bridge Turku's rich past with contemporary culture.
Place Guide
Aboa Vetus Archaeological SiteMedieval period, excavated 1992–1995
An underground exhibition built around the ruins of five medieval stone houses, showcasing artifacts and the street Luostarin jokikatu, revealing life in medieval Turku before the 1827 fire.
Ars Nova Contemporary Art GalleriesEstablished 1995, with expansions including the 2011 Takkahuone gallery
Exhibition spaces on the first and second floors displaying rotating contemporary art exhibitions and a permanent collection of over 600 works, including pieces by Picasso, Max Ernst, and Finnish artists.
Rettig Palace Building1928
The museum is housed in the historic Rettig Palace, a baroque-classical building designed by Valter and Bertel Jung and completed in 1928 as a private residence for tobacco industrialist Hans von Rettig.
Contact
Phone: 020 7181640
