Nelimarkka Museum

The Nelimarkka Museum in Alajärvi, built by Eero Nelimarkka and designed by his friend, architect Hilding Ekelund, was opened in 1964. The completion of his own museum building in the countryside of Southern Ostrobothnia was the fulfillment of Eero Nelimarkka’s dreams. Nelimarkka’s decision to locate the museum in Alajärvi aroused astonishment, but he believed that art belonged equally to everyone. He especially felt that the people living far from Helsinki, particularly the people in the region of Southern Ostrobothnia, had been left without a chance to discover art.

Today, Nelimarkka Museum is a diverse cultural centre and a venue for art exhibitions, workshops, and events for all ages. In addition, the museum hosts an international Artist Residency program. Eero Nelimarkka’s former summer atelier Villa Nelimarkka close to the Museum serves as a residency house as well as an exhibition and event venue. In addition, themuseum operates in Villa Väinölä, designed by Alvar Aalto, in the centre of Alajärvi.

Nelimarkka Museum’s permanent exhibition displays Eero Nelimarkka’s work with different themes. Besides his famous landscapes, Nelimarkka painted insightful portraits, still lifes, and religious subjects that depict Nelimarkka as a historical figure as well. The Museum houses Nelimarkka’s former atelier room, where the artist was seen working until his last years. Temporary exhibitions, focusing on contemporary art, display the work of nationally and regionally interesting artists. In the summer, Cafe de Nelimarkka serves refreshments, coffee and a special cake named after Nelimarkka. The Museum Shop is open all year round. Customized guided tours or workshops are offered for groups visiting the Museum. The Museum facilities are also suitable for organizing concerts or meetings.