The snow covering Finland has melted and the first green leaves of spring have started to emerge. This is the perfect time to rediscover our country's rich history and culture, and what better place to do so than the National Museum of Finland?
A voyage of discovery into the past
Located in the heart of Helsinki, near the beautiful Kluuvinlahte, the National Museum of Finland is like a journey into the past, combining the present with history in a rich and passionate way. The museum presents Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present day. A variety of exhibitions and events, including permanent and temporary exhibitions, work shop workshops, lectures and seminars, bring history to life and provide an in-depth and inspiring look at Finnish culture.
One of the most significant items in the Finnish National Museum's collection is the Eura costume, a women's outfit dating back to the 1000s. The Eura costume was found at the Luistar site in Eura and is one of the best-preserved Viking Age textiles in Europe. This historic garment is an important part of the museum's permanent medieval exhibition.
The story of the Eura costume
The incredible story of the Eura costume takes us back to a time when Finland was just a small northern province on the edge of Europe. The costume is a spectacular example of Viking clothing and culture. The costume includes a sleeveless top and two long, striped skirts made of light linen. The garment also includes many pieces of jewellery, including a buckle and a key, a symbol of a woman's status as the head of the family.
The story of the Eura costume and its detailed craftsmanship reveals the skills of past generations and life in the Finnish community over a thousand years ago. It is a wonderful example of how knowledge of ancient times has been collected and preserved for future generations.
Finally
The National Museum of Finland is a place where everyone can explore Finnish culture in their own way, whether it's looking at history, appreciating art or doing something together as a family. The museum offers an inspiring and educational opportunity to better understand our contemporary culture, see it through new eyes and create new memories.
By exploring the costumes and other artefacts of Eura, you may find a new enthusiasm for our country's rich cultural heritage. In these contexts, history is not just in the past, but becomes a living part of our present.