Visavuoren Museosäätiö Travel Guide

Nestled in the village of Sääksmäki, Valkeakoski, Visavuori offers a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of two significant Finnish artists: sculptor Emil Wikström (1864-1942) and his grandson, cartoonist Kari Suomalainen (1920-1999). The museum complex consists of three main buildings: Emil Wikström's home, his studio, and Kari's Pavilion.Wikström designed the original combined studio and home in 1894, but it was destroyed by fire in 1896. He rebuilt his home in 1902 in the National Romantic style, a prime example of Karelian architecture. The house showcases the artist's living space with original furnishings, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a Nordic artist in the early 20th century.The castle-like studio, completed in two phases between 1903 and 1912, features an observatory and winter garden. The studio displays almost 100 of Wikström's sculptures. Visitors can explore the space where Wikström created his art and discover how he and his family spent their leisure time, playing the organ or exploring the stars. Downstairs in the studio, once Wikström's bronze foundry, is a café open during the summer.Kari's Pavilion, designed by architect Erkki Helamaa and opened in 1990, exhibits the political cartoons and paintings of Kari Suomalainen. Suomalainen, a celebrated cartoonist, donated most of his works to the Visavuori Foundation in 1988. The pavilion hosts exhibitions of Suomalainen's cartoons with different themes each year, as well as visiting exhibitions by other artists. The museum shop is also located in Kari's Pavilion.Visavuori provides a comprehensive view of Finnish art and cultural history, showcasing the talents of a sculptor and a cartoonist from different generations.