Albert Edelfelt Studio Museum

Albert Edelfelt (1854–1905) is one of the most significant Finnish painters. Born in the Kiiala manor, Edelfelt demonstrated artistic inclinations early in his life. In 1879 the Edelfelt family had rented a villa near the manor in Haiko. Every spring Edelfelt looked forward to moving to Haiko, where the beautiful landscape and the light of the summer as well as the coastal inhabitants inspired him. He thought he painted best there. It is indeed in Haiko where many of his definitive works, such as Conveying the Child’s Coffin, were painted. This painting resulted him in being the first Finnish person to be awarded the golden medal in the Paris Salon, in 1880.

In 1883, Albert Edelfelt built a small studio in Haikko, about 6 km from the centre of Porvoo. It was here that he painted many of his most important works. The artist’s studio was opened to the public as a museum in 1951. Exhibited in the studio are drawings, paintings, heliogravures and photographs as well as artefacts belonging to the artist.

In 1934 the artist’s sisters, Annie and Berta Edelfelt bequeathed the museum a donation that became the core of the Edelfelt collection. The collection includes paintings, sketches and prints by the artist, as well as tools and personal items. The museum’s object collections include objects that belonged to the artist and his family.