Pori Art Museum to reopen at the end of January after extensive renovation

The Pori Art Museum is set to reopen to the public at the end of January following an extensive renovation that is expected to be completed by mid-November. The renovation, which began in the fall of last year, addresses damages caused by a fire three years ago. Additionally, the building’s technical infrastructure has been upgraded, and improvements have been made to enhance accessibility and functionality.

The city of Pori allocated €4.4 million for the renovation, with state funding contributing €675,000. Insurance claims have also covered damages caused by the fire. In the coming year, exhibition space Poriginal Gallery will relocate to the museum’s new facilities.

To celebrate the renovation’s completion, a concert by the local band Circle is scheduled for November 16 in the museum’s large exhibition hall. The museum has also announced its inaugural exhibition program for the reopening year, which will include a showcase from Circle titled “Piste.”

In related news, the Southwestern Finland Police announced earlier this year that the investigation into the museum fire had been suspended. However, the investigation could be reopened within the statute of limitations if there are grounds to continue. The fire occurred at the end of July 2021 when a truck parked next to the museum was set ablaze, causing the flames to spread to the museum’s roof structure.

Founded in 1981, the Pori Art Museum is built upon the collections of the Maire Gullichsen Art Foundation and the City of Pori, featuring Finnish and international art dating back to the 19th century, with a focus on modern and contemporary art. The museum is located in Pori’s Eteläranta and is part of the historically significant Kivi-Pori complex, with its building originally constructed in 1860 as the customs house’s storage area.