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. You can find it on the grounds of the Pasadena Museum of History. This museum is the only one of its kind in the whole United States! It was started in 1974 by a man named Yrjö Alfred Paloheimo. He was from Finland and wanted to share his country's culture.
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Discovering Finnish Culture
The Finnish Folk Art Museum shows what life was like in old Finland. It helps visitors understand the history and traditions of Finnish people. The museum is a great way to learn about another country's art and daily life.
The Founder: Yrjö Alfred Paloheimo
Yrjö Alfred Paloheimo was born in Finland. He moved to the United States and married Leonora “Babsie” Curtin. Mr. Paloheimo was an important person for Finland in America.
He worked as Finland's official representative for many years. His job was to help Finnish citizens and promote his country in Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. For 17 years, Finland's main office was even in the mansion where he lived!
Mr. Paloheimo also started the Finlandia Foundation. This group helps share Finnish culture and traditions. He also helped make Järvenpää, Finland, a "sister city" to Pasadena. This means the two cities share a special friendship.
The Museum's Unique Building
The museum building itself has an interesting story. It looks like a Swiss chalet, which is a type of house found in the mountains. It was built in 1910 using strong redwood and had a stone roof.
Originally, it was a garage for a rich man named Arthur Fleming. His architect, Frederick Roehrig, designed it. Mr. Roehrig also designed parts of the famous Green Hotel in Pasadena.
In 1949, Mr. Paloheimo found out the unique building was for sale. He had it moved to the Fenyes Estate grounds. He wanted it to be a folk art museum, a guest house, and even a sauna! Mr. Paloheimo collected many old farmhouse items from Finland to fill the building. He even did a lot of the stone work and gardening himself.
Inside the Museum: A Glimpse of Finnish Life
When you step inside the museum, you'll find a large living room called a “Tupa.” This room is filled with furniture and objects from the early 1800s in Finland. These items show how Finnish farmers lived long ago.
You can see an open fireplace, called a “Takka.” This was used for both heating and cooking. There are also poles and racks, known as “Leipävartaat.” These were used to store rye sourdough bread up high. Look for the “Tuoli,” which are chairs hand-carved by farmers. These were often given as special wedding gifts to their daughters. You'll find many other handmade Finnish items that tell a story about daily life.
Visiting the Museum Today
The Finnish Folk Art Museum and its beautiful Finlandia Gardens were officially opened in 1974. Today, the Pasadena Museum of History takes care of the museum. If you visit the Fenyes Estate, you can often take a tour that includes the folk art museum. It's a wonderful way to explore Finnish heritage right in California!
