The Renovation Centre Toivo and Korsman House

The Renovation Centre Toivo and Korsman House are situated in the V quarter near the centre of Pori. The yard area encompasses four timber houses and an outbuilding with spaces for exhibitions, teaching and workshops. The Toivo house serves as the historical building restoration centre of Satakunta Museum. Korsman House has been renovated and furnished in the spirit of a typical Pori family home in 1951.

Named after the Lemonade Factory Toivo which once operated in the building, Toivo today offers expert advice to builders and house owners on preserving the historical and cultural value as well as the quality and character of wooden buildings.

The main medium through which Toivo provides building advice is its renovation exhibition, in which the different phases of renovation of the Toivo building are revealed, illustrating the history of the house as well as the methods and materials used. The exhibition also provides information on the availability and use of current methods and materials for the renovation and restoration of wooden buildings.The interior showcases snapshots of daily domestic life in Pori from the 19th century to the 1950’s. The house library contains a comprehensive selection of old and new books on wooden building and renovation, many of which can be borrowed.

To help renovators, the small Renovation Shop stocks renovation items and materials that are hard to find in ordinary hardware stores, such as tow linen, building papers, tacks, window insulation paper, paints and pigments, as well as a range of unique window and door fittings, light switches and wallpaper borders.

In Korsman House, guests are welcome to visit the Korsman family’s home, circa 1951. Here, you can make yourself at home with a cup of tea or coffee, and sit down and relax to the popular tones of the 50s.