There is always time for culture

The region’s vibrant culture summer is packed with events ranging from first-class exhibitions and concerts to summer theatre. These are just a couple of examples.

1 The DANIELSON-KALMARI VILLA in Vääksy hosts the art exhibition Katja and Matti’s Detective Agency by visual artist Katja Tukiainen and comic artist Matti Hagelberg. The exhibition includes oil paintings, watercolours and sculptures by Katja and original cartoons and serigraphs by Matti. Katja and Matti’s Detective Agency 10 June to 6 August

Heinola has three fascinating museums: HEINOLA CITY MUSEUM, HEINOLA ART MUSEUM and the HOUSE OF PROVINCE POLICEMAN ASCHAN.

The museums are located in beautiful historic wooden buildings within a short walk of each other. www.heinola.fi

THE FINNISH MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM and ACE CAFE LAHTI hosts weekly summer events from cruising to bands. www.acecafe.fi

OUTSIDER ART in Padasjoki The home of naive artist Enni Id is painted from floor to ceiling with the artist’s favourite subjects: ornamental flowers and plants, as well as cats. In Veikko Salo’s hands, firewood is constantly turned into new artworks such as a windmill and a Klapitupa ("House Made from Chopped Wood”). Esa Pajulahti’s works comprising the entity Luvattu maa (“The Promised Land”) is a set of tableaus commenting on the current state of the world.

TAIDESALONKI TALVIO (Art Salon Talvio) in Hartola celebrates its 40th anniversary. This summer, the anniversary exhibition features works by Finnish visual artists. The exhibition is open from 10 June to 20 August.

ITÄ-HÄME MUSEUM offers manor house culture, folk artifacts, the memorial rooms of author Maila Talvio, author Mika Waltari and poet Uuno Kailas, a chimneyless hut and an agricultural museum. www.ihmuseo.fi

2 In the LAHTI MUSEUM OF VISUAL ARTS

MALVA , interactive artwork Ahto by Finnish Ekho Collective changes according to the flow of visitors. Klaus Haapaniemi’s Voyagers transports visitors to a peculiar and fascinating landscape, where handicraft meets media artworks. Adrien M & Claire B’s exhibition invites visitors to experience the beautiful blending of the imaginary, real and virtual dimensions. Voyagers: 3.3.–3.9.

Havens of Light: 12.5–1.10.

The SIBELIUS FESTIVAL features programmes designed by Sibelius himself based on his early 20th century travels to Stockholm, Rome, Norfolk and Helsinki, as he himself intended them to be heard.

Sibelius Festival, 7–10 September

The IITTI MUSIC FESTIVAL features both Finnish and international music professionals and rising stars. The programme always includes contemporary music, often premieres or Finnish premieres.

Iitti Music Festival 14–17 June

Lilly and Hugo von Heideman bequeathed the URAJÄRVI MANOR in Asikkala as a museum. The empire-style main building includes the home of the siblings from the turn of the 20th century. www.urajarvenkartanonystavat.fi ■ www.visitlahti.fi/en/sauna

Electric, wood-fired, steam or smoke?

Rent a sauna, pack your towels and beverages and enjoy a traditional Finnish evening in a sauna.