Rosenlew Museum

History

In 1852, the last and most devastating fire in Pori's history destroys 75 percent of the residential area. This is where, one year later, the story of W. Rosenlew & Co. takes off, quickly becoming the region's most important employer and one of Finland's largest companies. As usual in the region, it initially relied mainly on the sawmill industry. Over time, more and more sectors were added, particularly mechanical engineering, but also kitchen appliances and enameled cast-iron vessels. The broad product range protects the company from crises and compensates for economic fluctuations. The fact that Rosenlew is one of the first Finnish manufacturing companies to use electricity as power source also demonstrates the foresight of the company management. It is in the same context that Olavi Koskinen was commissioned to create a museum collection. "Museum Koskinen", as the employee was nicknamed, is to be credited with making the company museum a reality in 1984. When Rosenlew's history as a family business came to an end in 1987, Pori as an industrial hub lost one of its most powerful driving forces, even though several factories with Rosenlew roots are still in operation today. In 2003, the museum became the property of the city of Pori and was incorporated into the Satakunta Museum, which displays the region's cultural heritage at a total of six venues. However, the fluctuation in humidity and temperature in the former granary that houses the Rosenlew Museum puts the collection at risk. So in 2004, the Rosenlew family, in collaboration with the city authorities, the University of Turku and the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Pori, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, launch an initiative to refurbish the building. The museum reopens in December 2006. In 2008, Olavi Koskinen was awarded an honorary title by the Finnish Society for Industrial Heritage for his long-term collection work.