Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art, Turku
The Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art (WAM) is a modern art museum located in central Turku, on the east bank of the Aura River. It is named after Waino Aaltonen, one of Finland's most renowned artists and sculptors, and is dedicated to showcasing modern art. Opened on 17 September 1967, the museum was built following a proposal by the Turku City Council in 1964 to honor Aaltonen's artistic legacy. Waino Aaltonen himself played an active role in the museum's development, with his son Matti Aaltonen and his wife Irma designing the modernist building.
The museum’s permanent collection, owned by the City of Turku, prominently features Aaltonen's works, focusing on art from the Turku region, three-dimensional art, and Aaltonen's contributions to Finnish art. WAM also hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight both Finnish and international modern art, continuously expanding its collection with new acquisitions, often through purchases from exhibitions and artists, as well as occasional commissions.
Designed to meet the needs of contemporary exhibitions, WAM offers bright and airy rooms filled with natural light from large windows and skylights. Visitors can also enjoy a cafeteria and shop within the museum, enhancing the overall experience of this cultural landmark in Turku.
The museum’s permanent collection, owned by the City of Turku, prominently features Aaltonen's works, focusing on art from the Turku region, three-dimensional art, and Aaltonen's contributions to Finnish art. WAM also hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight both Finnish and international modern art, continuously expanding its collection with new acquisitions, often through purchases from exhibitions and artists, as well as occasional commissions.
Designed to meet the needs of contemporary exhibitions, WAM offers bright and airy rooms filled with natural light from large windows and skylights. Visitors can also enjoy a cafeteria and shop within the museum, enhancing the overall experience of this cultural landmark in Turku.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Turku. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art on Map
Sight Name: Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Turku, Finland
Create Your Own Walk in Turku
Creating your own self-guided walk in Turku is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Turku Introduction Walking Tour
Turku is the oldest city in Finland. The city served as the capital of Finland from September 1809 through April 1812. It is a popular tourist destination because of its long history and impact on Finnish culture.
The name "Turku" derives from the Slavic word for marketplace. Not surprisingly, Turku has popular markets like those held at the Turku Old Market Hall and Market Square.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
The name "Turku" derives from the Slavic word for marketplace. Not surprisingly, Turku has popular markets like those held at the Turku Old Market Hall and Market Square.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Turku's Architectural Jewels
The oldest city in Finland, Turku, has several attractive old buildings that catch the eye and showcase the city's rich history and culture.
Prime among such jewels are the Turku Orthodox Church, characterized by its distinctive onion-shaped domes, the historic neoclassical Swedish-language Abo Svenska Theater, and the beautiful late 19th-century Turku Old Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli).... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Prime among such jewels are the Turku Orthodox Church, characterized by its distinctive onion-shaped domes, the historic neoclassical Swedish-language Abo Svenska Theater, and the beautiful late 19th-century Turku Old Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli).... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles




