Granary from Paltamo, Helsinki

This 17th-century grain barn is one of the oldest exhibits at the Seurasaari Museum.

It was brought from the village of Melalahti in the Paltamo region, and was once part of the Junttila farmstead. The granary was built in 1698 (attesting to which is an inscription on the door) and remained in active service until 1723. The building is of Northern Ostrobothnia style, typical of the part of Finland heavily affected by Russian influence throughout history.

The granary stands on an elevated platform so as to prevent rodents from getting in and damaging the grain. It is also meant to ensure proper ventilation, to keep the stock dry. The roof, in turn, demonstrates an alternative method for keeping down the pine laths that hold the waterproof layers of birch bark in place.