The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas

Tampere, Finland

The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas is located in the historical Finlayson cotton mill area. At Werstas, you can visit the Textile Industry Museum, the Steam Engine Museum as well as the Labour Museum's changing and permanent exhibitions.

The exhibitions at Werstas offer an overview of the history of the industrial era, worker population and civil society from different perspectives. The constantly refreshed exhibitions present interesting events from the history of social issues, workers’ culture, visual arts and politics. At Werstas, ordinary people take centre stage and their everyday lives, work and the differences between them are recounted in the form of memorable stories. Free admission for all visitors.

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Details

Founded: Museum founded in 1993
Category: Museums in Finland
Historical period: Independency (Finland)

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Marian András (11 months ago)
A nice glimpse into Finnish labor with nice exhibitions, the giant steam machine room and more. Free of charge and well organized, Finnish/English explanantions!
Jack Anderton (12 months ago)
Superb experience. Informative, thought-provoking, varied and absorbing with an eye-catching steam engine room for those who need a visual spectacle and interactive elements for children throughout. The information boards are digestible and not too dry, while not being brief and superficial either Overall, you will find a reflection on the nature of work and humanity which presents the achievements and shortcomings of social democracy, industrialisation, the labour movement through Tampere and Finland's experience. As a resident of a country who is losing these values I was almost brought to tears in places in relief to have solidarity with people again. And it's free! (That is to say, adequately funded through tax and donations)
Mark van Gils (2 years ago)
Don’t let the fact that the entrance is free mislead you: this is a VERY interesting museum, definitely worth visiting. The original exhibitions are clearly made with love and dedication. Whether you are interested in Tampere’s history, Finnish society, or just want to see a beautiful steam machine - you will have a good time and learn something too.
Furat Alsheikh (2 years ago)
I don't think museums get better than this. Very interesting exposition with great info. It tells the story of Tampere, and adds a lot of context to the city you're visiting. Entrance is free, or a contribution of your liking. Definitely a must-visit if you're in the city.
Olli Lönnberg (4 years ago)
The museum dedicated to the industrial revolution in Tampere, the city also known as the Manchester of Finland. The exhibits are vast, well curated and very interesting. You'll need more than an hour, preferably several, if you want to see it all. The old steam engines, Helene and Marie, are especially interesting, monumental in scale.
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