Riihimäki Art Museum

Riihimäki Art Museum was founded in 1994 and it was opened to the public on 26 March 1995. It was made possible by Pentti Wähäjärvi (1912-1999) who, together with his wife, Tatjana, donated the art collection that bears their name to the city of Riihimäki in 1993.

The backbone of the collection is made up of Finnish art, particularly from the period 1900-1970. There are many works by artists from the Octobrist and Septembrist schools. The top names in the collection include Helene Schjerfbeck, Ellen Thesleff, Tyko Sallinen, Jalmari Ruokokoski and Wäinö Aaltonen.

The collection also includes foreign graphics, including pieces by Marc Chagall and Salvador Dali. The collection of antiques is largely comprised of Chinese ceramics and porcelain from the Han, Tang and Ming dynasties. Pentti Wähäjärvi’s donation also includes tin and copper objects, one-off works by designers of the Arabia ceramics factory, icons and furniture.

In addition to the permanent collection, the art museum often holds temporary exhibitions.