The oldest wooden building in Oulu, Matila's House or Sailor's House, was once known as Liminka Customs House. It was built in 1739 and was located in one of the city streets until the 80s of the 18th century. Later the house was restored and moved to Pikisaari Island.
The museum has been open to the public since 1989 and is a typical sailor's house of the time. Here you can learn about the life and life of ordinary seafarers, including the life of Isaak Matila, in whose honour the museum is named.
For example, sailors had one rather interesting tradition. Every house had 2 porcelain figurines of dogs on the windowsill. When the master was at home, the dogs had their backs turned to the window, and when the master was on a voyage, the dogs looked out the window. Thus, a person passing by the house only needed to cast a glance at the window to know from afar where the head of the family was now.
For tourists, the museum "Sailor's House" opens its doors from May to September.
