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Lebell's Merchant House: A Glimpse into 18th-Century Merchant Life

Explore 18th and 19th-century merchant life in Kristinestad at Lebell's Merchant House, featuring unique interiors and a glimpse into the town's maritime history.

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Step back in time at Lebell's Merchant House in Kristinestad, a museum showcasing the life of a wealthy merchant family during the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore the beautifully preserved interiors, including a unique baroque hall, and learn about the town's maritime history.

A brief summary to Lebell's Merchant House

  • 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-2 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check out the small ebony cabinet dating back to the 1670s, one of the oldest items in the museum.
  • Visit during the summer months to enjoy Café Lebell in the adjacent Felén House.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the house and the Lebell family.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Lebell's Merchant House is located at Strandgatan 51 in the Eteläpää neighborhood of Kristinestad. From the Kristinestad Market Square, walk east along Salutorget, then turn left onto Rantakatu. Continue along Rantakatu for approximately 100 meters. The museum will be on your left. The walk is short and easy, taking only a few minutes. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Kristinestad is accessible by bus. From the Kristinestad bus station, walk east along Merikatu, then turn right onto Rantakatu. Continue along Rantakatu until you arrive to Strandgatan 51. The walk is approximately 500m and should take less than 10 minutes. Bus tickets within Kristinestad typically cost around €3-5.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Kristinestad. A taxi from the Kristinestad bus or train station (located in Vaasa, 100km away) to Lebell's Merchant House will cost approximately €15-€20. Several taxi services operate in the area, including Taxi Keja Palvelut Oy, Taxi Tiina Nortunen and Taxi Pirjo ja Pauli.

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Discover more about Lebell's Merchant House

Lebell's Merchant House, located in the charming wooden house district of Kristinestad, offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a prosperous merchant family over 200 years ago. The house was built in 1762 by Casper Lebell Jr., whose father, a Polish war prisoner, founded the family's trading business in the 1720s. The family made their fortune by exporting tar and timber and importing salt. The museum, which has been open since 1939, features elegant interiors from the 1760s to the 1840s, showcasing various styles including Baroque, Rococo, Empire, Biedermeier, and Gustavian. The baroque hall on the upper floor is particularly noteworthy, boasting original ceiling paintings and woven wallpapers that are unique in Finland. You can also see what is likely the oldest green tiled stove in the country. The courtyard features outbuildings, including a rare salt magazine, a reminder of Kristinestad's seafaring past. In the summer, visit Café Lebell in the adjacent Felén House (built in 1841) for refreshments and art exhibitions. Special events, such as 18th-century dinners and troubadour evenings, are also held here.

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