Highlights

History

The Kellokoski ironworks was founded in 1795 by estate owner Lars Olof Nysten, who named it Mariefors Bruk after his wife Maria. Nysten also had a church built in the 1800s – it is the oldest existing building in the village and still serves as the parish church of Tuusula. Since then, the ironworks has had many owners and a colorful history. Its golden era was under the ownership of the Carlander family from 1895 to 1962. At its peak, the factory employed 450 people. In addition to the church, the ironworks estate included residential buildings, a bilingual school, a community hall, a cowshed, a stable, and a cemetery. In 1963, Fiskars purchased the factory, and operations ceased in 1979.

The factory produced a wide range of metal products. At one time, it was the largest manufacturer of milk churns in Finland. Finland’s first aluminum boats were also made at the Kellokoski factory. Other items in its product range included hinges, door handles, axes, hammers, weighing scales, mortars, coffee grinders, oven doors, hoes, barrels, fire extinguishers, beekeeping tools, and snow shovels. The museum now displays a rich selection of everyday historical items.

The ironworks area and its surroundings form an interesting whole. In addition to the museum, the area includes a café, restaurant, flea market, artists’ workshops, small shops, an event venue, a fitness center, and a hair salon. Near the dam area are the former workers’ residential area, the church, a dance pavilion, a children’s playground, and a beach. Another distinct part of the site is the former Kellokoski psychiatric hospital area with its manor buildings. There is also a hospital museum – all within walking distance.