I keep visiting this place more and more. Once I have visited it with a guide I changed my opinion about it, I liked it before, but now I adore it, I understand more about life of this fantastic painter and his artworks. I really recommend you to have a guide. I value as well this place for its architecture, both old traditional one and monern spacious of the new atelier. It is beautiful in summer but it's just fairytale-like in winter especially during Polar night with the dark pink-blue sky. They change exhibition quite often and organise as well other cultural events in the museum. Surely, recommended to visit.

Firstly, the location is at the end of a 9Km long sand/gravel road. When we visited (July 2014), the road was in very poor condition. Rough roads are not uncommon in Finland, especially after some frost heave and a spring thaw. But by July, there has been plenty of time to carry out some repairs. Don't visit this place if you have loose fillings ;)

On arrival, there are signs directing you to the cafe, from where you can buy your tickets. You pay and.......well that's it, you get a receipt. You don't get any sort of printed information about where you should start you tour, no verbal guidance about which is the best route to get the most out of your visit. Nothing :(

The art is quite varied and you might like it (I wasn't keen). But the buildings made the visit worthwhile for me. It's a cross between a typical Finnish countryside "homestead museum" and Alexander III's fishing cabin in Langinkoski (well worth a visit BTW). The buildings showcase the old building methods quite well, e.g. the roofing "tiles" on the old farm buildings.

Refreshments were available, although a little overpriced at 10€ for two small sticky buns and two not-too-fresh coffees from a large thermos flask.

Museum staff was neutral. Not particularly welcoming or pro-active to offer information, but at the same time it wasn't unwelcoming. Just flat.

If you're a big fan of his work, there are probably better galleries. If you're interested in his life and workplace, then this place could be for you.

This is a must see for anyone in the area. It gave a nice balance after all the hiking and nature and outside activities. Stunning paintings and very interesting character.