Finnish Folk Art Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Finnish Folk Art Museum
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Exterior of the Museum
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 160-170 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, California |
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| Area | 2.6 acres (1.1 ha) |
| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | Frederick Roehrig |
| Architectural style | Swiss Chalet |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001983. |
| Added to NRHP | September 5, 1985 |
The Finnish Folk Art Museum is a special place in Pasadena, California. It's the only museum of its kind in the United States! You can find it on the beautiful grounds of the Pasadena Museum of History.
This unique museum was started in 1974. A man named Yrjö Alfred Paloheimo created it. He was from Finland and wanted to share his country's culture.
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Who Was Yrjö Paloheimo?
Yrjö Alfred Paloheimo was a very important person. He was born in Finland. Later, he became Finland's official representative in parts of the United States. This included Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
For 17 years, Finland's official offices were right in the mansion. Mr. Paloheimo also started the Finlandia Foundation. This group helps share Finnish culture. He even helped make Järvenpää, Finland, a "sister city" to Pasadena. This means the two cities share a special friendship. Mr. Paloheimo and his wife also adopted four children from Finland. They raised them at the Fenyes Estate.
The Museum's Unique Building
The museum building itself has an interesting story. It looks like a Swiss chalet. It was built in 1910 using redwood. Its roof is made of stone.
Originally, it was a garage for Arthur Fleming's Wigmore Estate. A famous architect named Frederick Roehrig designed it. He also designed parts of the Green Hotel in Pasadena. In 1949, Mr. Paloheimo found out the building was for sale. He decided to move it to the Fenyes Estate. He wanted it to be a folk art museum. It also served as a guest house and a sauna.
Mr. Paloheimo worked hard to fill the building. He collected old farmhouse furniture from different parts of Finland. He even did much of the stone work and gardening himself. The museum has large, grassy areas. The beautiful Fenyes Mansion stands behind it. These areas are perfect for exploring.
What You Can See Inside
Inside the museum, there's a large living room. It's called a "Tupa." This room has furniture and items from the early 1800s. These pieces show how Finnish farmers lived.
- You can see an open fireplace called a "Takka." People used it for heating and cooking.
- There are poles and racks overhead. These are called "Leipävartaat." They were used to store rye sourdough bread.
- You might also see "Tuoli," which are chairs. Farmers hand-carved these chairs. They were often given as wedding gifts to their daughters.
- Many other handmade Finnish items are also on display.
Visiting the Museum
The Finnish Folk Art Museum and its gardens were officially opened in 1974. Today, the Pasadena Museum of History takes care of the museum. When you visit the Fenyes Estate, tours of the folk art museum are often included. It's a great way to learn about Finnish culture and history!
Gallery
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Traditional Finnish clothing on display.
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Finnish woodwork on display.
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Spinning and weaving tools on display.
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Traditional Finnish rug on display.
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Ironwork door into the museum.
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A look inside the Finnish Folk Art Museum.
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The Finnish Folk Art Museum sign.
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Brick and tilework outside the museum.
