Museums & galleries
Aboa Vetus Ars Nova
Aboa Vetus Ars Nova
Located in a historic mansion in central Turku, this institution functions as two museums in one. The Aboa Vetus focuses on the city's medieval history, featuring preserved ruins of the ancient town. Ars Nova is dedicated to contemporary art, hosting rotating exhibitions of modern works. Visitors go here to see the physical remains of medieval Turku and current artistic installations in a single location.
Getting There
The museum is situated in the city centre. It is accessible via a short walk from the main pedestrian areas, typically taking less than 10 minutes from the central hub of Turku.
Duration of Visit
Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to explore both the archaeological ruins and the contemporary art galleries. The time required may vary depending on the scale of the current art exhibition.
When to Visit
The museum is an indoor attraction, making it a viable option regardless of the season. To avoid the largest crowds, visiting during weekday mornings is generally more quiet than weekends.
Nearby Attractions
Due to its central location, the museum can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:
- Old Great Square (0.2km)
- Vartiovuori Observatory (0.2km)
- Vartiovuorenmäki (0.2km)
- Qwensel House (0.3km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors