South Karelia Museum

The South Karelia Museum is housed in the massive grey stone buildings that were formerly cannon storehouses. These neo-classical buildings stand out from their surroundings as they were built using local stone material, which has a high lime concentration. The buildings were completed in the early 1800s.

The South Karelia Museum is a museum with regional responsibility. It records, preserves, documents and exhibits the material and intellectual heritage of South Karelia and the ceded Viipuri and Karelian Isthmus. The museum’s permanent exhibition presents the history of our region from prehistoric times to the modern day with artefacts, photographs, audio recordings, films and written documents.

Information about the museum

Opening hours 2026

Open on winter season 2.1.-31.5. and 18.8.-30.12.:

Tue-Sun 11-17

Open on summer season 1.6.-16.8.:

Mon-Fri 10-18

Sat-Sun 11-17

Closed exceptionally:

Easter 3.-6.4.
May Day 30.4.-1.5.
Ascension Day 14.5.
Midsummer 19.-20.6.
Independence Day 6.12.
Christmas 23.-26.12.
New Year's Eve  31.12.

The Temporary Exhibitions Hall is also closed from March 9–27 and October 5–23 due to exhibition changes. The “The Story of South Karelia” permanent exhibition remains open during the exhibition change periods.

Admission

Combination ticket to Fortress Museums adults 12€ / pensioners, students, unemployed, groups/person (min. 10 people) 9€, under 18 years of age: free of charge. 

Contact

Kristiinankatu 15, 53900 Lappeenranta
ph.+358 40 130 9218 (ticket booth), +358 40 587 2274 (office)