The Rosenlew Museum is an industrial history museum in Pori, whose main exhibition introduces the history and production of the multidisciplinary Rosenlew company (1853 – 1987). The company’s influence on the development of Finnish industry and design was significant both locally and nationally. One of the largest conglomerates in Finland, the conglomerate operated in the wood processing, metal, packaging and power industries, among other things, and its operations also had a significant impact on the development of the city of Pori as one of the most significant Finnish industrial cities.
The conglomerate, which employed thousands of people, managed to manufacture thousands of different products that became well-known in Finnish homes and around the world. Rosenlew operated at a time when new types of household appliances were revolutionizing the everyday lives of ordinary people and society. The exhibition exudes nostalgia with kitchen appliances from the 1960s, enameled cast iron pots and genuine Porin Matti heating stoves, which were the most famous products of the Pori engineering workshop.
The museum is located in an atmospheric granary building next to the traditional Aittaluoto factory area, a short walk from the city center. The building was completed in the 1860s as a crown granary, the atmosphere of which can still be felt in the old brick walls and windows. Since then, the building, which was used by the Rosenlew company, has functioned as a warehouse, garage and the family company’s private factory museum, which laid the foundation for the museum’s public opening in 2006.
The museum is now owned by the city and is open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday. In addition to the main exhibition, 1-2 changing exhibitions, events and lectures related to industry and technology are held annually. The exhibition texts and guides are available in Finnish, Swedish and English. The whole family will enjoy the museum, and children can find a variety of things to do, for example with task backpacks and various task stations. The museum is accessible and there is free parking on site.