Kuopio Museum
Arriving at the museum
There is only a short walk from the Kuopio Market Square to Kuopio Museum. It is easy to get to the museum by public transport.
On Museokatu, next to the main entrance of Kuopio Museum, there are two parking spaces for the disabled. Paid parking spaces can be found under the market square and along the nearby streets. Additionally, parking spaces for Kantti’s customers are located on Maaherrankatu.
Opening hours:
Tue, Thu-Sun 10–17
Wed 10–19
Mon closed
Exceptions to opening hours are possible.
Tickets
Regular price 15 €
Discounted price 10 € (students, conscripts, non-military servicemen, unemployed, pensioners)
For groups of 10 or more paying customers: 20 % off of regular price tickets when the whole group is paid for in one transaction, or the fees are handled with an invoice.
Free admission for:
- Visitors under 18 years old, school groups, veterans
- Assistants for the disabled
- Professionals and students in the field (with the membership card)
- Museum staff
- Museum, ICOM and press card holders
Accessibility
The disability card is applicable at Kuopio Museum. When showing the card, the staff will assist with accessibility issues and take special needs into account.
The museum’s premises are mostly accessible. There are several entrances, and the exterior doors are automatic. The building has two accessible elevators. There is an induction loop in the public space and various accessibility services are available at the exhibitions.
Unfortunately, the doors to the exhibition spaces open manually and are quite heavy.
Contact information
Kuopio museum
Museokatu 1, 70100 Kuopio
kuopionmuseo.fi
+358 17 26 03
kuopionmuseo@kuopio.fi
Exhibitions
Mythical creatures – secrets of the forest 28.2.2025–25.1.2026
The shadows outside are growing longer. Inside, the darkness of the evening blends into the grey timber walls. The toils of the day are done – it is now time for stories. These tales feature earthlings living underground, forces of nature, animals living in the forests and the keeper spirits that protect them as well as the ruler of the forest, Tapio.
These stories paint a picture of the world in which the humans lived in the past. They viewed the world through knowledge that had been distilled in folklore over centuries. It advised people on customs, skills, spells and charms that were needed to live alongside nature and myths.
“The Mythical creatures – secrets of the forest” exhibition explores the folk beliefs of Eastern Finland that were collected and recorded from the 17th century up to the 20th century. The knowledge preserved in the charms, songs, stories, and fairy tales has been turned into an experience for the whole family.
Step on the forest path and follow the footsteps of our ancestors!
Permanent Exhibition
The permanent exhibition on cultural history and natural science of Kuopio Museum offers knowledge and experiences by taking the visitor on a journey through the local area; from the history of Northern Savo all the way to the changing nature of eastern Finland. The experience consists of three main exhibitions listed below. For the younger museum visitors, there is an experience-rich playroom located on the second floor. The museum also cherishes its own history, which is showcased in the old museum director’s room in the History of the Museum – exhibition.
First Floor
The exhibition recounts the history of Northern Savo, starting from the Stone Age when humans first arrived in the area, and ending in the newest cultural currents. In this exhibition you will get to familiarise yourself with both the ordinary and festive sides of the Northern Savonia residents’ lives and learn about fascinating objects and phenomena.
Second Floor
The exhibition travels through the history and current state of nature in Eastern Finland. The journey begins far in the past in the mammoth steppe, meanders deep in the natural forests and dives to the depths of lakes, finally ending in the current landscape shaped by humans. What might the future hold for our nature?
Third Floor
This exhibition weaves together cultural history and natural sciences by exploring the connection between the annual cycle of nature and the myths and beliefs of folklore. Enjoy especially the immersive Ajastaika-installation!
Experiences
Guided Tours in English
You can book a private guided tour of the museum by contacting the museum’s customer service (+358 17182 603, kuopionmuseo(at)kuopio.fi).
The fee for a guided tour in English is 80 €. Maximum group size for a tour is 25 individuals.
Events
More events: kuopionmuseot.fi/tapahtumat
The museum shop
Welcome to the museum shop! Our selection includes souvenirs, gifts, publications, games and outdoor accessories – without compromising on quality. The selection of products takes into consideration the principles of sustainable development and favours local manufacturers.
You can easily find the museum shop next to the museum’s ticket office, and you can visit it for free during the museum’s opening hours. Products available in museum shop can also be found on the City of Kuopio’s online shop.
Café Kantti
The 50-seat Café Kantti is located on Museokatu, and a 40-seat terrace serves customers during the summer. On weekdays, Café Kantti offers a lunch salad, which also includes soup. The café’s selection prefers ingredients and products from local producers. The café can host various events, also outside the café’s opening hours. Next to the café, there is a meeting room for rent, where you can order food from the café.