BestBeloved Museum Project

The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum’s exhibitions have been closed in the historical Ainola building. The exhibitions will be deinstalled and packed by the end of June 2024. At the same time, however, the planning and scripting of the new museum’s exhibitions is already under way.

A new museum building for the Oulu Museum and Science Centre will be built in Myllytulli. In addition to the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum, the Science Centre Tietomaa will also find its new home the new building, which will open in 2026.

Oulu has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2026, and the museum also participates in implementing the vision of cultural climate change defined in the Oulu 2030 city strategy. The present time period is indeed a significant turning point for the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum. That is why it is natural to pause to consider the purpose and modes of the museum’s existence.

History, present and future in the museum

History does not just happen but is actively made by people. In the museum, future is also present as a natural extension of the trails of the past. In addition to active social agency, the goal of the dynamic museum is to make it possible for people to participate in the same agency.

New perspectives of cultural heritage, living heritage as well as individual and community orientation will be at the heart of the new museum. It will also focus on examining the meaningful actions of the present moment that strengthen culture and the society. You can orient yourself to future thinking in a museum that examines history, as actively making history also helps create a better future.

The museum strengthens people’s attachment to society and their own communities. Themes that are considered important are flavored with historical understanding. The museum brings depth and topicality to this dialogue with its contents.

What will the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum be like in 2026?

The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum will open in the new building in 2026. Residents of Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia can expect a museum that has a low threshold for entry and in which the stories and history of our region have a home.

The new facilities in Myllytulli will enable new ways to act. The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum participates in the cultural climate change by supporting and developing polyphonic and culturally sustainable society. The aim is to create space for community action which highlights this cultural polyphony. The museum also wants to inspire critical thinking and active participation in creating history and the present moment.

The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum wants to create encounters and produce interaction. Community action and improving participation is a strongly ethical choice for the museum. Living heritage and future heritage also create cornerstones for the essence of the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum.

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