Pearls on a String – Aine Art Museum 40 Years -collection exhibition

In 2026, the Aine Art Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The museum was opened to the public on 8 March 1986. The Rajakartano building was designed by architect Matti Porkka. Mrs Tellervo Koivisto opened the museum to the public with ceremonial words: May Rajakartano grow into a sanctuary of knowledge, skill and creativity.

The story of the art museum began with the love of art shared by Tornio residents Eila and Veli Aine. Their shared passion eventually grew into one of the most significant art collections in Northern Finland, the collection of the Aine Pictorial Arts Foundation.

The agreement between the Aine Pictorial Art Foundation and the City of Tornio was signed on 23 October 1979. Under the agreement, the City committed to constructing exhibition and storage facilities meeting museum standards for the art collection and to being responsible for the care of the collection as well as for the operation of the art museum. The Aine Pictorial Art Foundation committed to permanently placing the art collection it owns in the museum’s premises.

The collections of the Aine Pictorial Art Foundation and the Aine Art Museum contain genuine pearls of art, works that are particularly cherished. Among the more than four thousand works of art are national treasures shared by all Finns as well as history unique to the people of Tornio.

How many pearls that are important to you will you find among the works in the exhibition?