Aine Art Museum – A Place of Discovery, Inspiration, and Learning

The Aine Art Museum, owned and operated by the City of Tornio, is founded upon two significant collections: the Aine Art Foundation Collection and the Aine Art Museum Collection. Located on the western bank of the Tornio River, just a stone’s throw from the Swedish border, the museum operates in the Rajakartano building, which it shares with the Tornio City Library. The building, completed in 1985 and designed by local architect Matti Porkka, is distinguished by its iconic triangular skylights.

The museum’s story began with Eila Aine (1920–2013) and Veli Aine, who began collecting Finnish art as private individuals in the early 1970s. Their remarkable collection, partially displayed at the Tornio City Hotel at the time, brought nationally significant art to this northern border town and drew attention from visitors across Finland.

As the collection expanded, the Aine Art Foundation was established on May 20, 1974. Five years later, the City of Tornio and the Foundation entered an agreement: the city would build and maintain a museum, while the Foundation would house its growing collection there. At the time, the agreement listed 1,048 artworks.

The Aine Art Museum officially opened its doors on March 7, 1986, with an inaugural exhibition introduced by the First Lady of Finland, Tellervo Koivisto. The show featured more than 300 works, highlighting renowned Finnish art movements such as the Prisma Group (leaders of modernism in the 1950s and ’60s), Finnish expressionism, the November Group, and the impressionistic Septem Group.

The Aine Art Foundation’s collection is a reflection of the collectors’ deep emotional connection to art. For the Aines, collecting was not an investment but an expression of genuine passion and respect for both the works and their creators. Veli Aine personally connected with many artists, building lasting friendships. This close relationship is evident in preserved correspondence and a unique artist book, gifted to him by numerous artists on his 80th birthday in 1999. One especially touching work is a 1930s etching of the Aura River by Santeri Salokivi (1886–1940), which Veli Aine purchased as a schoolboy with his pocket money. This piece remains part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Over time, the museum has also developed its own significant collection, supported by the City of Tornio. Together, the collections now encompass nearly 4,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, spanning from the 19th century to the present day. The museum highlights Finland’s artistic evolution, with a special focus on art from the north and the Tornio River Valley region.

Each year, the Aine Art Museum presents a new exhibition curated from its own collections, serving as a foundation for research, education, and immersive art experiences. Art education and outreach are essential elements of the museum’s mission, continuing the vision of Veli Aine. Activities include guided tours, workshops, and public events for all ages.

Open year-round, the museum offers visitors high-quality Finnish art, inspiration, and moments of reflection in an architecturally stunning setting. Outdoors, the sculpture park surrounding the museum showcases works by leading Finnish sculptors. In 2025, a new Sculpture Trail will open, inviting visitors to wander, sit, and enjoy the surrounding nature and the unique character of the twin cities Tornio and Haparanda.

Contact Email: aine.taidemuseo@tornio.fi

Phone: +358 50 594 6868

Website (URL): https://www.tornio.fi/en/culture-and-leisure/aine-art-museum/

Address: Torikatu 2, 95400 Tornio, Suomi