Brochure of museum  outside 1

Brochure of museum  inside 2

Presentation

The Infantry Museum was founded in 1982. The task of the museum, maintained by the Infantry Foundation, is to collect, store, examine and put on display military material which has belonged to the infantry. The exhibits are either donations made by private individuals, or articles lent by the War Museum. Donations continue to be accepted by the Museum.

The Museum is housed in three wooden barracks built in the 19^th century. The exhibition area covers some 2 000 m², and the items on display include 70 different military uniforms, 120 hand guns, 20 machine and light machine guns, 20 mortars and guns, and plenty of other military equipment. The exhibition is supplemented by a large collection of photos, also in colour, and scale models depicting the battles of Tuulos and Ihantala.

The exhibition in the main building puts on displays of Finnish history during the period of independence, with special emphasis on the role played by the infantry. The exhibits depict our army preparing itself for war, events during the various wars in Finland, and developments since the Second World War. There is also a section depicting the actions of the Civil Guard Boys during the Continuation War.

The museum also has photographs of the 151 soldiers in the infantry who have received the Mannerheim Cross, and a book giving the reasons why they were awarded the medal. Distinguished Finnish and foreign medals, such as Mannerheim Crosses of the 1^st and 2^nd class, are also on display.

The other building houses a rotating exhibition, currently FINNISH SOLDIERS ON INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS and The SAVO BRIGADE (1775-2006). The subject in the personal exhibition series DISTINGUISHED INFANTRY SOLDIERS, is Lieutenant  general of Infantry K.L. Oesch.

The permanent exhibition in the other building features military tradition in Savo and the history of garrison canteen female staff. Exhibits range form a late 18^th century gun to military uniforms used in Finland during the past three centuries. The museum tells the story of a soldier’s life both on the battle field and on peace-time garrisons and training grounds.

The Third building shows 60 YEARS PERIOD OF PEACE. Since 1944 until today post war armament, uniforms and military training and activities. 

Handouts are available for visitors to browse through during their visit. The leaflet is also available in Swedish, English, German and Russian. Guided tours are arranged by order for both small and large groups. Guides are available not only in Finnish and  in English. There is also a small gift shop which sells surplus military material, pins and postcards with military themes.