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 CenturyThe 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
1928The 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
1990sDuring 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.
Nearby POIs
7 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova: The Museum of History and Contemporary Art — Turku Museum Centre. Turku City Official Portal (2023)View
- [2]Archaeological Investigations in Medieval Turku — Kari Uotila. University of Turku Press (2015)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Stone, Concrete
- Civilization
- Finnish
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible with elevator access to ruins