Forum Marinum is a national special museum located in Turku, Finland, dedicated to maritime history, shipbuilding, and the seafaring traditions of the Baltic Sea. Established in 1999 through the merger of the Åbo Akademi University maritime museum and the Turku maritime museum, it serves as a center for research, preservation, and public education regarding Finland's naval heritage.
The museum complex is situated along the Aura River and includes both indoor exhibition halls and a significant outdoor fleet of museum ships. The collection features historic vessels such as the sailing ship Suomen Joutsen and the minelayer Keihässalmi, providing a comprehensive overview of the technical and social history of Finnish maritime activity.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Steel, Glass
- Civilization
- Finnish
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 1999
- Condition
- Active
- Original Function
- Maritime museum
- Key Figures
- Åbo Akademi University
Founding and Consolidation
1999Forum Marinum was established in 1999 to consolidate the maritime collections previously held by Åbo Akademi University and the city of Turku, creating a unified national special museum.
Expansion of the Fleet
2000-2010During the early 21st century, the museum expanded its outdoor exhibition area significantly, acquiring and restoring several historic naval vessels, including the minelayer Keihässalmi and the patrol boat Nuoli.
Modern Development
2010-PresentThe museum continues to serve as a primary research institution for Finnish maritime history, hosting rotating exhibitions and maintaining the historic fleet as a central landmark of the Turku riverfront.
Cultural Significance
Forum Marinum plays a vital role in preserving the maritime identity of Turku, a city historically defined by its shipbuilding industry and port activity. It acts as a bridge between the academic study of naval history and public engagement with Finland's seafaring past.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions within the museum community often focus on the long-term preservation challenges of maintaining a floating fleet in the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea, balancing historical authenticity with modern safety and environmental regulations.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance. Some museum ships are seasonal and may be closed during winter months.
Best Times to Visit
Summer months (June-August) are recommended to ensure full access to the outdoor museum ship fleet.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted throughout the museum and on the decks of the museum ships.
Nearby POIs
7 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]Forum Marinum: The National Special Museum of Maritime History — Turku City Museum. Maritime Heritage Press (2015)View
- [2]Maritime History of the Baltic Sea — J. K. H. Lehtonen. Finnish Historical Society (2002)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Steel, Glass
- Civilization
- Finnish
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible