Juminkeko – Kalevala Centre

“The sun circles the day, the moon circles the night, but neither circles Juminkeko.”

Kuhmo is home to Juminkeko, the national Kalevala Centre, which can rightly be called the home of the Kalevala thanks to its extensive collection of materials related to the Kalevala and Karelian culture. Juminkeko houses the world’s largest Kalevala collection, including more than 60 translations of the epic. Visitors can watch films related to the Kalevala in an auditorium hand-carved from Viena Karelian pine and explore changing exhibitions.

The Juminkeko auditorium shows videos of various lengths and in several languages, introducing visitors to topics such as the origins of the Kalevala, Karelianism, the work of Elias Lönnrot and the traditional rune-singing culture of Viena Karelia.

The centre, maintained by the Juminkeko Foundation, promotes cultural exchange both nationally and internationally. It preserves and raises awareness of the cultural heritage associated with the Kalevala. At Juminkeko, you can also learn about the villages of Viena Karelia in both Finland and Russian Karelia, as well as attend concerts, seminars and other events.

The building is an impressive example of modern Finnish timber architecture. It was designed by internationally renowned Finnish architects Mikko Heikkinen and Markku Komonen. Juminkeko is surrounded by 24 log pillars supporting a turf roof that slopes in two directions and is covered with typical Kainuu vegetation, including lingonberry and heather.

Juminkeko also has a shop and online store where you can find editions of the Kalevala, children’s books and other literature, cards, CDs and DVDs, jewellery and other interesting souvenirs to take home.