Sparkle from the halls and chambers
A journey to the luxury of the nobility in the 17th to 19th centuries
The Northern exhibition hall’s collection exhibition showcases more than 800 objects and costumes, which offer a peek into the gentlefolk culture from the 1600s to the 1800s.
Highlights of the exhibition include over 600 objects and 200 items of clothing: hats, shoes and fans that will take you back to the luxurious lifestyle of the time. The shimmer of silks, the sheen of porcelain and the sparkle of jewellery tell the story of the glamour of the era. The important roles of servants and craftsmen are also highlighted, along with Turku craftsmanship such as goldsmiths’ work. The exhibition includes rarities such as a 17th century riding jacket and a large 1734 wedding robe, on display for the first time in almost 100 years. The exhibits change regularly to showcase the richness of the collections.
A collection exhibition that meets modern museum standards
During the post-war renovation of Turku Castle, an exhibition hall was designed in the almost 60-metre-long attic space to display the museum collections. The architecture of the space was designed by Erik Bryggman, who was responsible for the renovation, and the display cases were designed by interior architect Carin Bryggman.
The 2019–2020 exhibition renovation has been carried out in keeping with the spirit of the space, while bringing the exhibition framework into the modern age. The display cases, dating from the 1960s, have been reupholstered and feature modern exhibition lighting. The exhibition offers a wide range of information content, including videos and extended object information.
The exhibition is closed 21 Sep–20 Nov 2026
The exhibition will be on display until 20 September 2026. The Northern exhibition hall will be closed between 21 September and 20 November 2026, when a quarter of the exhibited objects will be replaced. Particularly the most fragile textiles, such as the rarities from the 18th century, will be removed to rest in the storage.
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