In the shadow of the mighty bastions of Suomenlinna fortress, on the island of Susisaari, stands a modest yet iconic house. This is the Ehrensvärd Museum (Ehrensvärd-museo) — the only surviving mid-18th century building within the fortress and the personal residence of its creator, Count Augustin Ehrensvärd. The museum is more than just a collection of exhibits; it is a preserved snapshot of the era when the "Gibraltar of the North" was born.
History of the Ehrensvärd House-Museum
The house was built in 1753-1754, concurrently with the King`s Gate, to serve as the private home and study for the fortress commander and founder of the Finnish Swedish naval fleet. Ehrensvärd personally chose the location for the house—on elevated ground with a view of the main harbor and the most important construction sites—to keep the colossal works under his constant personal supervision. After his death, the house served as a residence for subsequent commandants, and in 1948, on the 200th anniversary of the fortress`s founding, it was opened as a memorial museum.
The Personality of Augustin Ehrensvärd: Soldier, Engineer, Artist
The uniqueness of this museum lies in how it reveals the founder`s multifaceted character:
• Military Genius: A Field Marshal who not only devised the fortress plan but also developed new tactics for the Swedish galley fleet, making it a formidable force in the Baltic.
• Tireless Organizer: He personally oversaw the Herculean construction effort under harsh conditions, solving problems of logistics, funding, and the lives of thousands of workers.
• Subtle Intellectual and Artist: Ehrensvärd was a passionate draftsman and engraver. He sketched fortification plans, ships, views of the rising fortress, and portraits of his subordinates. This artistic side of his personality is a key feature of the museum.
Exhibits from the Era: Immersion in the 18th-Century World
The museum`s interiors have been meticulously restored in the style of the 1700s, recreating the atmosphere of an enlightened officer and aristocrat`s home. The core of the collection consists of authentic items that belonged to Ehrensvärd and his family.
Personal Belongings and Documents of the Founder:
• Ehrensvärd`s dress uniform and sword.
• His writing desk, drawing instruments, and personal seals.
• Correspondence and official documents with the royal court in Stockholm, shedding light on the complexities and intrigues that accompanied the construction.
Unique Artistic Legacy:
Original drawings and engravings by Ehrensvärd himself. This is the most valuable part of the collection. Visitors see not dry engineering plans but lively, detailed sketches: scenes from camp life, soldier profiles, types of ships.
• A collection of seascapes and portraits of his contemporaries.
• Medals and commemorative badges produced from his designs.
Atmosphere of an 18th-Century Home:
• Period furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets), some of which belonged to the Ehrensvärd family.
• Everyday items: porcelain, glassware, books from his library, reflecting the owner`s tastes and interests.
• Reconstructed living quarters, including the study and living room, allowing visitors to sense how the man who held the entire grand project in his head lived and worked.
What Makes This Museum Special for Tourists:
• Unlike the large-scale Suomenlinna Museum, this space offers an intimate, chamber-like atmosphere. It`s a look at history through the lens of a single destiny. Ehrensvärd`s drawings reveal him not just as a military man but as an observant human being.
• The Views from the Windows. The house`s windows still frame the same views over Kustaanmiekka harbour that once inspired and concerned the founder. You can literally stand in his place and look upon the work of his lifetime.
• Connection to the Grave. Adjacent to the house lies the Ehrensvärd family tomb, where he is buried according to his wish—"in the fortress he built." This creates a profound and moving impression.
The Ehrensvärd Museum is located in the southern part of Susisaari Island, not far from the King`s Gate. It is a quiet and often-overlooked spot, making a visit here particularly valuable for history enthusiasts. It is open during the summer season. Visiting this museum is an opportunity not just to learn about the construction, but to understand the spirit, will, and creative spark of the man who transformed rocky islands into a legendary fortress.
