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Arts and handicrafts
Several artisans live and work in Suomenlinna, so the fortress has plenty of unique local arts and crafts on offer. The HAA Gallery, Gallery Augusta and Icecellar host art exhibitions and cultural events all year round.
The HAA Gallery, run by the Helsinki Artists’ Association, features high-quality exhibitions of contemporary art. The gallery is open throughout the year.
Accessibility: The gallery is located near the main pier. There is a ramp at the entrance. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the ferry lobby in the same building as the gallery.
Gallery Augusta is a versatile space for art exhibitions and events on Susisaari island. It is run by HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme, the largest international artist residency programme in Finland. Augusta hosts HIAP’s annual international summer exhibition and plenty of other activities as well, such as exhibitions, performances and HIAP Talks throughout the year.
The ceramic studio of the Pot Viapori ry artisans’ association started operating in Suomenlinna in 1973. Every once in a while, the studio organises events and exhibitions, and in the summer it hosts a summer exhibition open to all. Products made at the ceramic studio are sold in the Arts and Crafts Summer Shop.
Accessibility: Visitors using a wheelchair will need an assistant.
In Glass Studio Hytti, visitors can watch glassblowing in action in Virtue Bastion on Susisaari island. Glass products made in Suomenlinna can also be bought from Hytti.
During glassblowing, the doors of the studio are mainly open, but the studio has no official visiting hours. A tour of the studio and glassblowing demonstrations can be scheduled in advance.
Accessibility: The glass studio is accessible by wheelchair and there is an accessible toilet facility next to it.
Esa Toivanen’s main materials is wood, which he uses versatilely to create art works. Esa Toivanen gladly tells visitors about his work and the unique wooden products. During winter season Esa’s studio is open during Art Walk event on Fridays between 12-16. Besides Art Walk the studio has no official visiting hours but doors are open when Esa is working.