The museums of Raahe have taken significant steps toward offering even more immersive and engaging experiences. Here’s a sneak peek to the new, intriguing content that we have already made with the European Capital of Culture year in mind!
The familiar coastal landscapes of Raahe have looked very different in the past and have served a variety of functions over the centuries: shipyards, a tar storehouse, breweries and restaurants, as well as industrial activities. The presentation called “Changes by the Sea” at the Crown Granary Museum uses historical photographs, archaeological data, and old maps to lift the veil of history and explore the use of Raahe’s shoreline through time.
In the On the Fairway home -game, players steer a sailing ship to Raahe’s “roadstead” (anchorage point) using a real ship’s wheel as a game controller. The impressively realistic late-19th-century setting and the game mechanics were created by students of the Lybecker Media Centre.
Raahe’s most significant industrial facility, Rautaruukki Oy (now SSAB’s steel factory in Raahe), is given due recognition in the Crown Granary exhibition. Alongside comprehensive historical content, the factory’s story is told with humor and a touch of gamification: visitors can explore the steel-making process through a retro-style video game Let’s Make Steel, also developed by students.
The Story Corner presents Raahe’s past through dramatic microhistorical narratives. “An Offer Thar Cannot Be Dismissed” tells the true story of a wealthy merchant’s illegitimate daughter who ended up marrying a sea captain. “The Countess of Raahe” portrays the struggles of a sailor’s widow—known locally as the Countess of Raahe—trying to survive without the financial and social safety her husband once provided. “The Lath Ladies” features a fictional discussion that gives insight into women working at the sawmill during the golden era of the sawmill industry in the 1930s. Scriptwriter Satu Kallio has drawn deeply from historical sources, and the talented team at the Raahe Theatre has brought the vision of the scriptwriter and museum experts to life. Special thanks go to director Jiri-Aleksi Peltokorpi for bringing these stories vividly to life!
The Packhouse Museum retains its unique atmosphere and charmingly rich interior but now features elements of augmented reality. With a personal smartphone or tablet, visitors can interact with selected museum objects that come to life: a 17th-century church sculpture of Saint Agatha in rustic Baroque style, a turtle shell known as “syltpata”, and a hair ornament tied to a kiss from Emperor Alexander I. Even two sea captains portrayed in oil paintings strike up a conversation about business matters in the port of “Leveri” (Liverpool). The AR content was scripted by the museum staff, illustrated by Lybecker students, and technically implemented by the IT wizards of WTF Design Oy.
I proudly highlight the strength of our small yet spirited museum and the expertise of our local community: all our partners were found right here in our hometown. “From Raahe and with money to spare,” was said when sailing ships arrived in foreign ports back in the old days. Today, we the people of Raahe warmly welcome all visitors from the European Capital of Culture to come experience our vibrant history—an adventure that will stir your mind and senses!
Raahe’s museums are open in the summer:
- Mon–Fri: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Sat–Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM
More details on our website: raahenmuseo.fi
More information:
Miska Eilola
Curator of Collections, Head of Raahe Museum’s OULU2026 Project
miska.eilola@raahe.fi
+358 40 830 3016
