The Military Museum "Maneesi" (Sotamuseon Maneesi) is a branch of the central Finnish Military Museum located in Helsinki. It was opened to the public in 1977, when Suomenlinna Fortress had already begun its transformation from a military facility into a cultural center. The museum is housed in a historical building—a long, single-story brick arsenal built by Russian military engineers in 1880-1881.
Originally, this building was used for storing artillery weapons and equipment, and its architecture with powerful walls and arched openings is typical of Russian military construction of that period. Thus, the very shell of the museum is the first exhibit, immersing the visitor in the atmosphere of military history.
The Concept of the Military Museum "Maneesi"
Unlike the main Suomenlinna Museum, which covers the entire 270-year history of the fortress, "Maneesi" focuses on a narrower but extremely important theme: the history of the Finnish army, defense, and society in the 20th century.
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of authentic, often large-scale exhibits with a modern, interactive, and personal approach to storytelling. It is not just an exhibition of weapons and uniforms; it is a story about people, their choices, destinies, and trials during turning-point eras.
Exhibition: From Weapons to Human Stories
The exhibition is divided into thematic zones that chronologically and conceptually guide the visitor through key events.
The Civil War (1918): The museum impartially and tragically depicts the fratricidal conflict. Here you can see the weapons of both sides—both the Finnish "Whites" and the Finnish "Reds"—personal belongings, photographs, and documents. The emphasis is on the human drama, the social causes of the conflict, and its heavy legacy for the nation.
The Winter War (1939-1940) and the Continuation War (1941-1944): This is the central part of the exhibition. The museum impresses with authentic full-scale military equipment:
• A Soviet-produced light tank T-26 and an amphibious tank T-38, captured by the Finnish army (trophies were an important part of its arsenal).
• Anti-tank guns, anti-aircraft installations, trucks.
• An extensive collection of small arms, uniforms, equipment, and communication devices from both the Finnish and Soviet armies.
However, the main focus here is on personal stories. Through letters from the front, diaries, award certificates, audio recordings of veterans` memories, and interactive screens, the visitor learns about the daily life of a soldier on the Mannerheim Line, life in the trenches, fear, heroism, and losses. Separate attention is given to the role of women, the work of nurses, and home front life.
The Lapland War (1944-1945) and the Post-War Period: The exhibition tells about the expulsion of German troops from northern Finland, the complexities of the armistice, and the beginning of a new stage in the country`s history. It shows the path to the policy of neutrality and the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947.
The Cold War and Modern Times: The museum does not stop at 1945. It shows how Finland built its defense in a bipolar world, developing its own military industry. You can see exhibits related to service in the modern Finnish Defence Forces, peacekeeping missions, and the evolution of military technology in the second half of the 20th century.
The Most Interesting Exhibits of the Military Museum
Marshal Mannerheim`s Parade Limousine (1939): A dark blue (almost black) Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood car from 1939. This is not just a military trophy or a service vehicle—it is a symbol of the era and the personal transport of the Commander-in-Chief. Carl Gustaf Mannerheim used this car during the Winter War and the Continuation War. It was specially purchased for parades and official events.
Soviet Tanks — Trophies of the "Winter War": A light tank T-26 (the most massive tank of the Red Army at the beginning of the war) and an amphibious tank T-38 (a lighter and more maneuverable amphibious vehicle).
The "Squirrel Wheel" Anti-Tank Obstacle System: One of the most unusual and iconic exhibits. It is a huge metal wheel with spikes that could be quickly rolled onto the road to stop a column of enemy equipment.
Full-Scale Diorama "The Bunker": A maximally realistic reconstruction of a Finnish command bunker (pillbox) on the Mannerheim Line.
Practical Information for Visitors:
• It is recommended to visit after a general introduction to the fortress at the Suomenlinna Museum.
• Due to the presence of large-scale equipment, the halls are spacious, but the atmosphere is intimate and conducive to thoughtful study.
• The museum will be particularly interesting to those who want to understand how Finland went through the wars of the 20th century and how this experience shaped modern Finnish identity and the principles of foreign policy.
The Military Museum "Maneesi" is not just a warehouse of military relics. It is a modern, professionally made memorial that, through the prism of military history, tells the story of the survival, resilience, and formation of modern Finland.
