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Photo: Markus Koljonen, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Named in honour of the artist and sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum has a good collection of his works. Otherwise it features changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses Café Wäinö which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. During the renovation 2024–2026, exhibitions are in the Art House by Nunnankatu, instead of in the museum building by Itäinen Rantakatu.
Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art or WAM for short, is an art museum in central Turku, Finland dedicated especially to modern art. The museum is located on the east bank of the Aura River. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of the City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Finnish artist and sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art.
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Samppalinnan kesäteatteri
Samppalinna summer theatre, with its first premières in 1960, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specialises in musicals.
Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as the Amazing History of Turku and the Amazing Near-history of Turku. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there are also drama, concerts and children's theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.
Turun kaupunginteatteri
The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions.
Biologinen museo/Biologiska museet
A diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. In all, 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species are on display. The museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. It was established in 1907 and most of the dioramas date back all the way to that period. Since spring 2024 they are complemented by digital content, such as animal sounds, and things that can be touched; also the yard has been included, with e.g. an insect hotel (take a quick tour around the house). There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum.
The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit.
A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin.