This unusual complex of impressive size, built according to the design of Professor Ilmari Lahdelma in 2008 on the territory of the modern port of Kantasatama with the oldest icebreaker-museum “Tarmo” moored (1907), in its appearance resembles a formidable rampart of gigantic proportions. The length of the building, on the roof of which there is a panoramic view of the city and the sea, is 300 metres long and up to 30 metres high.
The museum complex combines the Maritime Museum of Finland, the Kymenlaakso Museum and the Vellamo Information Centre. Inside the oak-panelled rooms, the colour palette ranging from lettuce and orange to deep blue, various ships, boats, harbour cargo cranes, etc. The sparkling façade in the form of sea glints of glass and metal give the whole ensemble a special individuality.
The Information Centre houses printed publications, e-books and magazines. The Maritime Museum of Finland presents its main exhibition, dedicated to the history and development of seafaring in northern waters. At the Kymenlaakso Museum, visitors can learn about the material and spiritual heritage of the city and region of Kymenlaakso, as well as the history of maritime security. There are also a customer terminal and a jukebox with recordings of folklore tunes, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
