Serlachius Museum Gustaf

Serlachius Museum Gustaf and its exhibitions tell stories about the legends of industry as well as about art. A former head office of a forestry giant, the Gustaf Museum is located in the centre of Mänttä.

The purpose of the careful design of the building was to highlight the Serlachius’s interest in art as well as the success of the company. Thus it is quite an attraction in its own right. In addition to that, the Serlachius Museum Gustaf believes in the power of narrative and tells touching stories from history and today.

The topic subjects of exhibitions at Museum Gustaf have a connection to history or art. Often they relate to life in a small Finnish town connected to paper industry. As a result, the main character of the permanent exhibition is Mänttä’s first mill owner Gustaf Adolf Serlachius. Infamous for his hazardous business affairs, Serlachius belonged to the pioneers of Finnish forest industry. The museum got its name after this erratic person.

The exhibitions open themselves to the visitors by means of drama and different medias. Subsequently, the Serlachius Museum Gustaf has gained popularity as well as awards for its original exhibition implementations. The dramatised history and interactivity is in the core of its guided tours.

Former head office

Serlachius Museum Gustaf’s impressive building was earlier a head office that housed the officials of the forest combine G. A. Serlachius Ltd. The building was completed in 1934. As a director and mill owner Gösta Serlachius wanted it to be a visiting card of the company. The works of well-known Finnish artists decorate the functionalist office building. Moreover, it contains up-to-date technical installations of its time. Gösta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation acquired the former head office in year 2000. Subsequently, it opened its doors for the public after a considerable renovation in 2003. It became the second museum of the Fine Arts Foundation in Mänttä.

Serlachius Museum Gustaf is in the centre of active cultural work. For example, it is an excellent venue to organise lectures, seminars, sporting events, social events, concerts, theatre shows and other cultural events. The museum cooperates intensively with schools.