Sibelius Museum, Turku

The Sibelius Museum, located near Turku Cathedral in the historical heart of Turku, is the country's only museum dedicated to music. Named after renowned Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, the museum showcases a rich collection of historical musical instruments from around the globe, alongside an extensive archive of documents, sheet music, recordings, and photographs. Founded in the 1920s as part of Abo Akademi University's Musicology Department, it has since evolved into its department under the Abo Akademi Foundation.

The museum's striking building, designed by architect Woldemar Baeckman, was completed in 1968 and is a notable example of Brutalist architecture. Its concrete exterior reveals the texture of the timber formwork used in its construction, while the interior features a unique hyperbolic paraboloid concrete structure, reflecting influences from Mexican architect Felix Candela. The building originally included a courtyard garden designed by Maj-Lis Rosenbroijer, though it no longer exists.

The museum features two main exhibitions: a collection of musical instruments, that circles the central Sibelius Hall, and an exhibition dedicated to Jean Sibelius. The museum also hosts rotating thematic exhibitions, such as the "Sibbe50," which celebrated both Baeckman's architecture and the building’s 50th anniversary, and "A Cantata for the Doctors," focused on academic ceremonial music.

The Sibelius Museum has a vibrant musical program, most notably its "Wednesday Concert Series," which has run since 1968. The concerts feature a variety of music genres, including jazz, folk, and classical chamber music, enriching Turku’s cultural scene.

In addition to its exhibitions and concerts, the museum offers research resources through its archives, which include special collections related to Jean Sibelius, Otto Andersson, and the Musical Society of Turku. The museum’s premises also house auditoriums and classrooms, named after student choirs from Abo Akademi University.