Pori between art, industrial history and Kirjurinluoto

Pori offers travelers a variety of themes to consider when planning their stay: contemporary art, industrial culture and relaxation in green surroundings. The Pori Art Museum and the Rosenlew Museum each highlight different aspects of history and culture. Kirjurinluoto complements them with walking trails, a display garden and leisure activities.

Art and history on the Kokemäenjoki River

Founded in 1981, the Pori Art Museum is dedicated to contemporary art. Its high-quality temporary exhibitions explore current trends in Finnish and international art, as well as social issues. The museum is housed in a building dating from 1860 on Eteläranta, on the banks of the Kokemäenjoki River. Inside, there is also a cellar ruin from the 17th century: the building thus combines historic architecture with changing art exhibitions.

The collection comprises nearly 4,000 works of Finnish and international art, from the early 19th century to the present day. Works from the collection are shown in changing exhibitions and at various events. The collection and the way it is presented are therefore closely connected: the collection spans a long period, while exhibitions explore individual themes and current artistic trends. The museum is about 1.5 kilometers from the bus station and railway station. It is a bicycle-friendly Welcome Cyclist destination and is located along well-maintained cycle paths.

Industrial culture at the Rosenlew Museum

The Rosenlew Museum is dedicated to the industrial heritage of the Satakunta region. Its permanent exhibition presents the history and production of the Rosenlew company. Objects and photographs add to this picture by showing the working and leisure lives of its employees. The focus is therefore not only on production, but also on the everyday lives of the people associated with the company.

The building itself is also part of the experience: the museum is housed in a state-owned granary completed in the 1860s and preserved for its cultural and historical value. At the Pori Art Museum, a building dating from 1860 provides a setting for contemporary art; at the Rosenlew Museum, the focus is on company history and industrial culture. The two museums thus offer different perspectives on the past of Pori and Satakunta.

Architecture and frescoes at the Jusélius Mausoleum

The Jusélius Mausoleum is located in Käppärä Cemetery and is part of Pori's National Urban Park. Church architect Josef Stenbäck designed it in the Gothic Revival style. Its artistic features include the present-day frescoes: Jorma Gallen-Kallela painted them between 1933 and 1939, based on designs by his father, Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The architecture and frescoes offer two distinct perspectives on the mausoleum—the design of the building and the story behind the creation of its wall paintings.

Walks and leisure in Kirjurinluoto

Kirjurinluoto is Pori's central park and a popular place for recreation and leisure. It is about a five-minute walk from the market square. The natural surroundings close to the city offer opportunities for walking; a short route is 1.3 kilometers long. Hanhipuisto is a display garden featuring trees, shrubs and flowering plants that thrive in Satakunta. It also includes rarer species and varieties. In summer, visitors to Kirjurinluoto can see alpacas, goats and birds such as peacocks and chickens.

For family activities, the approximately three-hectare Pelle-Hermanni Park offers free-to-access play areas, slides and climbing frames for different age groups. At Vinkkari Traffic Park, you can ride pedal cars and bicycles while learning traffic rules. Another activity is the Kirjurinluoto disc golf park, with 21 holes and artificial-turf tee pads. The activities offer distinctly different experiences: walking, play areas, traffic practice and disc golf each have their own focus.

Kirjurinluoto is also a summer venue for Pori Jazz. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the current event dates when planning. This makes it possible to schedule your stay around the program you want to attend.

Discover more destinations: Luvia, Honkajoki, Kalliala, Kankaanpää, Siikainen, Huittinen, Ulvila, Aikkila.

For the broader travel overview: Satakunta.