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Ehrensvärd Museum: A Glimpse into 18th-Century Fortress Life

Step back in time at the Ehrensvärd Museum, exploring 18th-century life inside the historic Suomenlinna fortress in Helsinki.

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Located on Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ehrensvärd Museum offers a journey into the 18th century, showcasing the life and times of Augustin Ehrensvärd, the fortress's founder. Housed in the old Commander's House, the museum displays period furnishings, portraits, ship models and weaponry.

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Local tips

  • Check the Suomenlinna website for current opening hours, as they vary seasonally.
  • Purchase museum tickets in advance online to save time.
  • Explore the rest of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after your museum visit.
  • Take the 'blue route' to easily navigate the main sights of Suomenlinna.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Suomenlinna main ferry pier, walk towards the center of the island, following signs for the Great Courtyard (Iso piha). The Ehrensvärd Museum is located in the Commander's House on the Great Courtyard. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Suomenlinna, take the HSL ferry from Kauppatori (Market Square) in Helsinki. The ferry operates year-round, with departures every 20-40 minutes. A single ticket costs €3 and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at the Market Square or via the HSL app.

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Discover more about Ehrensvärd Museum

The Ehrensvärd Museum, nestled within the historic Suomenlinna fortress, provides an intimate glimpse into 18th-century life. The museum is located in the Commander's House, once home to Augustin Ehrensvärd, the founder of Suomenlinna. Inside, visitors can explore rooms furnished in the style of the 1700s, complete with period furniture, portraits, and miniature ship models. The collection also includes weaponry and other artifacts that reflect the maritime history of the fortress and the Swedish Archipelago Fleet. The building itself is an example of how living quarters and defense structures were integrated. Side wings functioned as fortification bastions, and windows could be used as crenels in case of attack. The Commander's House served as the residence for the fortress commandant until 1855 when it was damaged during the Crimean War. In 1927, the Ehrensvärd Society initiated the establishment of a museum in the rooms that had been Ehrensvärd's residence, opening its doors in 1930. Today, the museum offers a captivating look into the daily lives of the nobility who once resided within the fortress walls.

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