Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, Turku, Finland

Aboa Vetus (Old Turku) is a museum of archaeological history. Originally, plans were for only Ars Nova, the contemporary art museum, but during its construction a number of structures and artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages were discovered, and the archaeological excavation that was commissioned eventually transformed into Aboa Vetus. The two museums were combined in 2004.

The ruins excavated in the Convent Quarter originate from the Middle Ages. In the midst of these ruins, museum visitors progress through the permanent exhibition, which focuses on the 15th century. The artefacts on display originate from the excavations carried out in the town quarter where the museum actually sits.

Reference: Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

User Reviews

Kharuya (2 years ago)
Really cool and interesting ruins. wasn't too interested in the modern art section, but it was still pretty nice nevertheless. Ruins are in good condition, and you can learn interesting stuff about Turku's history there.

Asma Hinawi (3 years ago)
The place is amazing, I did not get the tour in the museum, but did visit the shop has super cute little things & gifts. The good part is that they have discounted rates for students to check the museum. And they have a super nice cafe next to it. What I loved the most the glass floor that allows you to see the water and alleys underneath the museum

Dennie Borgman (3 years ago)
A nice museum to visit with nice old objects. The way it's preserved old foundations is interesting and fun. The modern art section wasn't really my thing. Would be 5 stars if they would have added even more historical objects but I do still recommend a visit.

Jukka Sauramäki (3 years ago)
Interesting museum! I don't know about arts but archeology was very well organized. Archeologistis at yard excavations were professionals, I suppose at their work but also in marketing and customer service!

Saara K (3 years ago)
Very nice museum. Not very big. Well built and interesting exhibition. Also, nice museum shop with interesting and affordable articles.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Mark1792

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle