“This is the first time we can tell the full story of Hanko all at once,” says Museum Director Laura Lotta Andersson. “We finally have premises of our own – in an old industrial building that itself tells part of our city’s past.”
Hanko Museum reopened in 2024 in Manner’s former factory building. “We wanted to preserve the original spirit of the space. You can clearly see that this used to be a factory,” Andersson explains. The new permanent exhibition covers five themes: the sea, spa and villa life, industry, emigration and archipelago life, as well as the nature and strategic location of the Hanko Peninsula.
“The museum was founded as early as 1909, but such an extensive permanent exhibition has never been seen before.” Highlights include the Adelaide family’s textile collection and an exhibition on the Second World War based on excavations by archaeologist Jan Fast. “Visitors have been delighted. Many locals have visited the museum for the first time and said it feels like a small miracle.”
The museum is fully accessible. “There are no stairs or thresholds here, so moving around is easy for everyone. That is extremely important to us.” Hanko Museum shares photos and stories daily on social media. The premises also include a small museum shop and a coffee vending machine. In autumn 2026, an exhibition dedicated to writer Irmelin Sandman Lilius will open in honour of her 90th birthday. “Her life’s work is closely intertwined with Hanko’s cultural history. Our mission is to tell stories in a way that everyone finds something here – and wants to return,” concludes Museum Director Andersson.
Read other Hanko stories here.
HANGON MUSEO
Pitkäkatu 17
10900 Hanko
040 1359 228
museo@hanko.fi
www.hangonmuseo.fi
