Aboa Vetus Ars Nova - Image 1

Turku,Finland

Aboa Vetus Ars Nova

MuseumOpenMedieval20th Century

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a unique museum complex in Turku, Finland, that integrates archaeological remains with contemporary art. The 'Aboa Vetus' section features the excavated ruins of medieval stone houses and streets, providing a rare subterranean view into the daily life of the city from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Adjacent to the ruins is the 'Ars Nova' section, housed within the historic Rettig Palace, a 1920s mansion originally built for a prominent industrialist family. This part of the museum hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, creating a distinct contrast between the preserved medieval foundations and modern creative expression.

Key Facts

Materials
Brick, Stone, Concrete
Civilization
Finnish
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible with elevator access to ruins
Date(s)
1928 (Palace), 14th-16th century (Ruins)
Condition
Well-preserved, active museum
Original Function
Private residence and medieval urban quarter
Key Figures
Hans von Rettig

Medieval Urban Development

14th-16th Century

The site was once a densely populated area of medieval Turku, featuring stone buildings and narrow streets. These structures were eventually buried under layers of earth and later construction, remaining hidden until the 20th century.

The Rettig Palace

1928

The mansion, known as the Rettig Palace, was commissioned by the tobacco industrialist Hans von Rettig. Designed by architect Bertel Strömmer, it served as a private home until it was repurposed for cultural use.

Discovery and Museum Establishment

1990s

During renovations and archaeological excavations in the 1990s, the extensive medieval ruins were uncovered beneath the property. The museum was established to preserve these findings while maintaining the mansion as a venue for contemporary art.

Cultural Significance

The museum serves as a vital link between Turku's medieval origins and its modern identity. By physically layering the ruins beneath the art gallery, it encourages visitors to contemplate the continuity of urban life and the evolution of human settlement in the Baltic region.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

Discussions often focus on the challenges of balancing the preservation of fragile medieval masonry with the structural requirements of a modern museum environment, particularly regarding humidity and temperature control for the subterranean ruins.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Open Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. No specific dress code required.

Best Times to Visit

Weekdays during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowds. The museum is particularly comfortable during winter months due to its indoor climate-controlled environment.

Photography

Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Flash photography is generally discouraged in the ruins to protect the integrity of the archaeological site.

Preservation Notes

Visitors are required to stay on designated walkways within the ruins. Touching the medieval stone walls is prohibited to prevent degradation.

Nearby POIs

7 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova: The Museum of History and Contemporary Art — Turku Museum Centre. Turku City Official Portal (2023)View
  2. [2]
    Archaeological Investigations in Medieval Turku — Kari Uotila. University of Turku Press (2015)