Rauman raatihuone restoration preserves centuries of history without over-renovation

The 250-year-old Rauma Town Hall in Finland has undergone a major restoration that deliberately avoids returning the building to a single historical period, instead preserving its layered history, reports Yle. The newly renovated landmark will open to the public in October 2026.

The restoration project, now nearly complete, has focused on maintaining the building’s original elements while carefully integrating modern infrastructure. “The principle is not to forcefully restore the heritage building to a specific year—that would be meaningless,” said architect Simo Freese of Arkkitehtitoimisto Freese, the project’s lead designer. “Centuries should remain visible, and we avoid over-restoration.”

Key features, such as worn staircase steps and original wooden roof structures, have been preserved where possible, with only damaged sections replaced. The building’s 18th-century brick flooring received minimal repairs, and a long-sealed door from the same era was reopened to improve accessibility. The newly uncovered entrance on the eastern side now allows wheelchair access to the first floor.

Modern technical systems—including electrical wiring, plumbing, and ventilation—have been discreetly installed within the structure to maintain functionality without altering its historic appearance. The project also includes a new annex in the courtyard, expanding space for exhibitions, educational programs, and a museum shop.

Rauma City Architect Minna Linnala, who has overseen the project for over a decade, praised the collaboration behind the restoration. Her favorite detail? “The golden ochre color of the facade plaster—it’s transcendentally beautiful.”

Once fully furnished and fitted with exhibitions in spring 2026, the Town Hall will house Rauma Museum’s permanent collection, a UNESCO World Heritage visitor center, and retail space. The site is one of only two surviving 18th-century town halls in Finland, with Rauma’s structure notably well-preserved compared to its counterpart in Porvoo.