Turun Taidemuseo (Turku Art Museum), Turku

The Turku Art Museum, located in Puolalanmaki (a hill in the center of Turku, on the border of the VI and VII districts), is a prominent cultural landmark in the city. The museum opened in 1904, housed in a building designed by renowned architect Gustaf Nystrom. This architectural gem was made possible through the generous donations of businessmen brothers Ernst and Magnus Dahlstrom, and it became Finland’s second purpose-built art museum after the Ateneum in Helsinki.

The museum is owned and managed by the Turku Art Association, founded in 1891 to promote artistic endeavors in the region, especially in Southwest Finland. From its inception, the museum has been a cornerstone for both historical and contemporary art, providing a platform for an impressive array of exhibitions, ranging from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary pieces.

Turku Art Museum also supports the local art scene by awarding grants to professional visual artists, through funds such as the Ellen and Magnus Dahlstrom Bequest and the Helena Bruun Foundation. Notably, the Dahlström Eminentia Prize of EUR 15,000 is awarded every three years to honor exceptional artistic achievements.

The museum has become a gathering point for art lovers, with a cozy atmosphere enhanced by Café Victor, which offers stunning views over Turku from its terrace. Additionally, the museum’s shop focuses on sustainable, Finnish-made products, further connecting art with ecological and cultural values.

Through its rich history and ongoing commitment to promoting both local and international art, the Turku Art Museum remains a vibrant hub for cultural life in Turku.