Lapua

Right in front of the Lapua Cartridge Factory Museum is located the Lapua Art Museum. In this gallery is possible to appreciate the collection storage and presentation of art. The Art Museum's main designer was academician Juha Leiviskä from Helsinki, which makes the history and the modern museum's architecture impressive by combining beautifully the key factor of light. The museum of Art is open to the public since January 10th of 2006.

Lapua Cartridge Factory Museum presents the history and related occurrences since 1923 in Lapua cartridge factory. This brand is known around the world. The plant has been of great importance for the Finnish National Defense and for the shooting sports, but it is also a key part of the neighborhood community. This was the place where the old Lapua Cartridge Factory was situated until the big catastrophe occurred in April of 1976. A huge explosion end with the lives of 40 workers, mostly women. Since then it remains on the memory of all the inhabitants of the city and this is the main reason why this Cultural Center and museum were created. Cartridge Factory Museum's original collection has been formed in 1993, when the city bought the old Lapua Cartridge Factory in the area of real estate. In addition, the city bought for the museum collection cartridge factory, old furniture and other devices. They transformed the factory area into the Cultural Center and in the main building they settled the exhibition space for the Cartridge Factory Museum is the largest building in the area and its facades remain virtually unchanged from the original. The permanent exhibition was opened on May 5th of 2006. The old factory’s atmosphere can still be perceived in the library, exhibition rooms, open college and conservatoire. Cartridge Factory Museum's collection includes the original factory equipment, tools, products, photos, and otherwise, both locally and globally important plant in the everyday way of life material.

Vanha Paukku (Old Blank in English) definitely has to be in the “to visit list” in Lapua. This is a unique cultural and business center of Lapua, situated on the Lapuanjoki riverbank, at the very heart of the city. This is a magnificent place where remains important part of the history of the area.The Cultural Center consists of the old cartridge factory building, museums of history, art and photography shop, as well as meeting rooms, library and a cafeteria. There are some enjoyable and interesting handicraft shops in the same area which is also something recommendable to take a look at before leaving.During the summer time it is also possible to find in this place a river boat that will take a trip around the area´s landscapes and historical buildings.

This fascinating cruise trip along the Lapua River is approximately one-hour journey where people can enjoy the beautiful scenery, riverside parks, flower gardens, and culturally and historically significant buildings. At the same time tourists can hear a guided tour of a strong and interesting history about the city, as well as the ancient way of life. The ship is very modern and it is covered and equipped with big windows, making an amazing view from the inside. The ship tours work from the months of May until September. The cruise leaves from the Vanha Paukku Cultural Center and navigates along the Lapua River as well as the Nurma River and returns to the same place. In the Big Factory building, people can have the opportunity to have some coffee and snacks at the cafeteria and explore the various exhibitions and museums as well as factory outlets. Duration: approximately one hour. buffet lunch cafe in the Big Factory Building.