Museums galore
Those who love museums and culture won’t be bored in Kouvola, as you can find both a UNESCO World Heritage site and the life of a small railway yard.
In Kouvola, museums bring yesterday to life but also provoke thoughts with modern art and fascinating local history. Best of all, if you happen to encounter the rare situation of rain in the Finnish summer, the museums and cultural sites offer a great refuge from the thunder.
Museums in the city center
When you jump off the train or bus at Kouvola Travel Center, you are very close to the Miniature Railway Museum, which fits perfectly into the history of Kouvola. Under the same roof, the iconic café Onkapannu operates.
Kouvolatalo houses the Poikilo Museums, serving museum lovers all year round. The art museum and the city museum provide a glimpse into modern top art, but the changing exhibitions also showcase the interesting local history of the railway town.
From the Kouvola Museum Quarter, right next to Poikilo, you can also find the Home and Radio Museum. In the home museum’s rooms, you can explore the decor and atmospheres of different decades and of course, the electronics of the past. The Military Radio Museum is located with the Radio Museum in the new building. It features radio equipment used by different groups during the Winter War and Continuation War, as well as those used after the war.
UNESCO World Heritage site Verla
The “grand old lady” of Kouvola’s museums is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Verla , known informally as Verla. Located in beautiful nature, the unique Verla has been exceptionally well preserved until today. Guided museum tours truly bring history to life.
When you are in the Repovesi and Verla area, don’t forget to make a stop at the Vuohijärvi Nature and Culture House. In the changing summer exhibitions, you can admire art, and in the Love Park, you can relax in the garden. Under the same roof, you will also find delicious café products.
Cultural gems throughout the villages
In addition to the museums in Kouvola’s city center, you can also explore interesting cultural sites around the Kouvola area.
Cultural enthusiasts should keep in mind the brand new Jaala Arena located in Jaalas and the diverse cultural offerings at Liikkasenmäki.
In Kuusankoski, culture blooms in the shadow of the factory! Taideruukki brings together various creative sector operators, and throughout the year you can explore changing art exhibitions in the factory milieu. You can also explore the industrial heritage of Kymenlaakso in Ankkapurha and elsewhere on the Kymenlaakso Industrial Heritage Route.
On Kettumäki in Kuusankoski, you will find a true gem of log architecture, the Kettumäki Local Heritage House. Kuusankoski Society organizes changing exhibitions and events in the building designed by architect Lars Sonck from May to September.
The Old Shop Museum in Valkeala is located in the original Poki commercial building. The museum’s permanent exhibition tells about trading activities from different eras. The museum also features changing exhibitions and events during the summer. Next door, the vibrant summer theater of Valkeala operates.
Art Center Antares is located in the village of Sippola and fills up with interesting art during the summer. Antares also serves as a center for various artists and creative professionals.