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The Burgher's House Museum: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Helsinki

Experience 19th-century Helsinki life in the city's oldest wooden house, showcasing middle-class domesticity and historical charm.

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Step back in time at the Burgher's House Museum, Helsinki's oldest surviving wooden house. Experience the life of a middle-class family in the 1860s, with meticulously recreated interiors showcasing their home and belongings.

A brief summary to The Burgher's Home

  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • The museum is only open during the summer season, from May to September.
  • Admission is always free.
  • Check the Helsinki City Museum website for information on guided tours and special events.
  • Note that the museum is not wheelchair accessible.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Burgher's House Museum is located in the Kruununhaka district. From Senate Square, walk northeast on Aleksanterinkatu, then turn left onto Kristianinkatu. The museum will be on your left, a short walk down the street.

  • Public Transport

    The closest tram stop to the Burgher's House Museum is Snellmaninkatu. Several tram lines serve this stop. From the Central Railway Station, take tram number 4 or 5 to Snellmaninkatu. From there, walk a short distance north on Snellmaninkatu, then turn right onto Kristianinkatu. The museum will be on your left. A single AB ticket costs €3.20 and is valid for 80 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Helsinki. A taxi from the Central Railway Station to the Burgher's House Museum will cost approximately €10-€20, depending on traffic and the taxi company. Taxi fares start at €1.30 per km.

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Discover more about The Burgher's Home

The Burgher's House Museum, also known as Ruiskumestarin talo, offers a unique glimpse into the domestic life of a middle-class family in Helsinki during the 1860s and 1870s. Located in the Kruununhaka district, this charming wooden house is the oldest of its kind remaining in the city center. The house is decorated to represent the home of Alexander Wickholm, a fire station officer, and his family, who lived there from 1859. While not wealthy, the Wickholms strived to maintain a respectable lifestyle, evident in the Biedermeier-style furniture and a dresser desk from St. Petersburg in the hall. The museum also showcases everyday items like rye bread hanging in the kitchen and a butter churn, providing a realistic portrayal of the era. The original Wickholm family belongings were sold at auction, but the museum's decor is based on detailed estate inventories. The rooms feature a mix of inherited and second-hand items, reflecting the family's social standing and aspirations. The walls have been carefully restored to their 19th-century appearance, with different surface treatments in each room. The Burgher's House Museum hosts various events during the summer, including courtyard concerts. During the Christmas season, the house transforms into a festive destination.

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