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Visavuori: Home and Studio of Finnish Artists

Explore the lives and works of sculptor Emil Wikström and cartoonist Kari Suomalainen at their unique museum in Valkeakoski, Finland.

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Visavuori is a museum in Valkeakoski, Finland, dedicated to the life and works of sculptor Emil Wikström and his grandson, cartoonist Kari Suomalainen. The museum comprises Wikström's home, his studio, and a pavilion showcasing Suomalainen's cartoons, offering a glimpse into the lives and creations of two prominent Finnish artists.

A brief summary to Visavuoren Museosäätiö

  • Monday 11 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • 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

  • Visit during the summer months to enjoy the café located in the studio's former bronze foundry.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions in Kari's Pavilion.
  • Explore the Sääksmäki Stone Church, located near Visavuori, for more local history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Valkeakoski bus station, take bus number 65 towards Roukko. Get off at the Visavuori stop. From there, it's a short walk to the museum entrance. A single ticket on the bus costs approximately €3-€4.

  • Walking

    From the Sääksmäki suspension bridge, follow Visavuorentie road for approximately 1.5 km. The museum will be on your left. The walk takes about 20 minutes.

  • Driving

    From Valkeakoski city center, follow route 307 towards Sääksmäki. Turn onto Visavuorentie road. The museum is located at Visavuorentie 80. Parking is available near the museum. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Visavuoren Museosäätiö

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.

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