The exhibition attracted more than 25,000 visitors, doubling the museum’s visitors compared to the previous spring. The media attention surrounding the anniversary exhibition and the fact that visitors traveled from far away came as a surprise to the art museum staff:

“Reidar’s exhibition managed to reach audiences broadly, even from outside Lapland. We had people coming from Helsinki just for day trips,” says Riitta Kuusikko, Director of the Rovaniemi Art Museum.

The feedback the museum has received on the exhibition has been glowing. Kuusikko reflects that Särestöniemi embodied many themes that resonate strongly today: the relationship with nature and environmental protection, identity, and individuality.

“People have felt Reidar’s art to be very close to them, full of powerful energy that gives strength. In some cases, the experience has even been healing. Reidar was an environmentalist, a researcher, and a homosexual. I believe many people wanted to see these sides of him now.”

According to Kuusikko, the doubling of Korundi’s visitor numbers over the past decade shows how deeply the people of Rovaniemi have embraced the cultural centre as their own.

“Imagine life as a local without Korundi. It would feel quite empty,” she sums up.

Kuusikko also sees culture as having much to offer tourism:

“Although visitors usually come to Rovaniemi for nature and Santa Claus, it’s important that the experience doesn’t remain only at that level. Korundi offers an opportunity for a deeper encounter with what northern culture here truly is.”

Rovaniemi Art Museum currently features two fascinating exhibitions: Eemil Karila - I see the places of the sagas (5.12.2025–22.4.2026) and Pulling the Threads - Works from the Collection of Rovaniemi City and Wihuri Foundation Collection (14.11.2025–8.3.2026). Exhibitions are open Tue-Sun 11-18.

More information:

Riitta Kuusikko
Museum Dircetor, Rovaniemi Art Museum
040 583 6664
riitta.kuusikko(a)rovaniemi.fi

The digital guide can be easily accessed on visitors’ own smart devices by scanning a QR code. It is free of charge and powered by AI to offer content in over 30 languages. The guide includes information about the building and its history, current exhibitions, and visitor services.

QR codes are available in Korundi’s lobby and exhibition spaces. The guide can be used via web browser, or alternatively, visitors can download the app onto their phones.

The platform behind Korundi’s digital guide is provided by the Finnish start-up Reveel, whose mission is to modernize visitor experiences in cultural destinations and landmarks.

“We’re excited to offer our guests a more versatile and eco-friendly service. Reveel has inspired us to rethink how we present art and artists. We look forward to developing new ideas together,” Kuusikko adds.

Korundi is open during the summer:
Tue–Fri 11:00–18:00 | Sat–Sun 11:00–16:00

At the Rovaniemi Art Museum, visitors can explore the Sápmi Triennale, showcasing contemporary Sámi art and duodji (traditional Sámi crafts), along with two exhibitions from the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation Collection.

Further information:

Riitta Kuusikko
Director, Rovaniemi Art Museum
riitta.kuusikko(a)rovaniemi.fi
+358 40 583 6664

Robin Kanerva
Co-founder & COO, Reveel
robin(a)reveel.guide
+358 50 356 1488

Sebastian Mellblom
CEO & Co-founder, Reveel
sebastian(a)reveel.guide
+358 50 327 6472

The exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of Särestöniemi's career, including both early works and large, striking oil paintings. A total of 90 artworks were on display, alongside personal items, archival materials, photographs, and video content related to the artist.

The exhibition gained wide acclaim and sparked discussion among both locals and visitors. Many travelled specifically to Rovaniemi and Korundi to see the centenary exhibition.

“We are immensely happy and grateful for the public response and the feedback we have received. Särestöniemi’s art still resonates deeply today,” said Riitta Kuusikko, Director of the Rovaniemi Art Museum.

Reidar 100 anniversary year in 2025 continues throughout Finland, and more information on upcoming events can be found at www.reidar100.fi.

More information:

Riitta Kuusikko
Director, Rovaniemi Art Museum
riitta.kuusikko@rovaniemi.fi
+358 40 583 6664

Kuva: Tatu Kantomaa

The soloist on the album is Dutch double bassist Niek de Groot, to whom the piece is dedicated. Internationally renowned conductor and Artistic Director of Lapland Chamber Orchestra John Storgårds conducts.

”The new recording has been a fantastic project to co-operate with Lapland Chamber Orchestra, double bassist Niek de Groot and John Storgårds”, says composer Sebastian Fagerlund.

”The soloist, Niek de Groot has been a great inspiration for me when composing this concerto. Also the unique and expressive sound of Lapland Chamber Orchestra and each of the musicians, have a key role throughout the album. In my opinion the pieces really came to live splendidly in this recording.”

Sebastian Fagerlund rose to fame in 2006 receiving worldwide attention for his Clarinet Concerto, and in musical circles he has for many years been a highly regarded chamber music composer. The octet Autumn Equinox was premiered during the same period as the internationally acclaimed opera Höstsonaten (Autumn Sonata) in Autumn 2017, and the octet is dedicated to violinist Liza Ferschtman, who herself has visited Lapland. The recording, featuring an ensemble of Lapland Chamber Orchestra musicians, was rehearsed and indeed recorded without conductor and is a beautiful example of the orchestra’s musicianship and collaboration between eight musicians.

The Double Bass Concerto Arcantio is dedicated to Dutch double bassist Niek de Groot, who also premiered the piece in Rovaniemi with Lapland Chamber Orchestra and John Storgårds in November 2023.

The new version of Sky II was premiered in Rovaniemi also in November 2023. The original version, premiered in 2009 was commissioned by top guitarist Ismo Eskelinen. On this recording Eskelinen returns and performs as part of the Lapland Chamber Orchestra’s ensemble, conducted by John Storgårds.

The new album was recorded in the fantastic acoustics of Korundi hall with BIS producer Martin Nagorni.

The recordings of Lapland Chamber Orchestra have gained international attention and awards. The Viola concerto, song cycle and Rituals -symphony of Kalevi Aho under the BIS record label was selected as Album of the Year by Finnish national radio and likewise the recording of Bent Sørensen’s music by Da Capo was awarded album of year by The Danish national radio.

Kalevi Aho’s Theremin and French horn Concerto recordings were awarded the German ECHKO Klassik Award in 2015 and Hans Abrahamsen’s Schnee won the Finnish Emma Classic Award in 2022 and was nominated in the finals of the Gramophone and ICMA Awards. The Boston Globe newspaper selected it as the world’s best classical recording in 2022.

List of recordings by Lapland Chamber Orchestra:
https://korundi.fi/en/visit/lapland-chamber-orchestra/recordings

Lapland Chamber Orchestra – Rovaniemi City Orchestra is the northernmost professional chamber orchestra in EU.  The orchestra has 19 full-time members and its Artistic Director is the renowned conductor John Storgårds. Along with giving concerts in the home base Korundi House of Culture, the orchestra regurlarly tours the Province of Lapland and abroad. The recordings of LCO have gained international attention and the orchestra is known for its high standards and open-minded and enthusiastic approach to music.

More info: General Manager
Aino Kurki Lapland Chamber Orchestra
aino.kurki (a) rovaniemi.fi / +358 400 764469

The Inclusive Centres of Culture – Collaborative and Inclusive Cultural Tourism Through Nordic Cooperation (ICCE) project, which focuses on improving the accessibility of cultural centres, was launched at the end of 2024. The project emphasizes inclusivity and aims to enhance the accessibility and attractiveness of cultural centres for diverse audiences. Key goal of the project is to identify barriers that prevent so-called non-visitors from engaging with cultural centres’ activities.

The core aim of the project is to develop cultural centres into vibrant meeting places that foster interaction between local communities and travelers. By strengthening cooperation between the tourism and cultural sectors, the project seeks to promote year-round tourism for both domestic and international visitors, highlighting the region’s cultural attractions.

The project is led by Lapland University of Applied Sciences, with the City of Rovaniemi as the Finnish partner responsible for developing the Korundi House of Culture. Swedish partners include Konstmuseet i Norr (Kiruna), Skogs- och samemuseet (Lycksele), Gold of Lapland (Västerbotten), and Umeå University, which will focus on the development of its Bildmuseet art museum.

The project duration is from November 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. It is funded by the Interreg Aurora program, the Regional Council of Lapland, Region Västerbotten and Lycksele community. The total project budget is 760 722 €, of which 492 995 € is covered by EU funding.

The project partners met for the first time in mid-January at Korundi in Rovaniemi. The kick-off event aimed to deepen partnerships and address the project’s goals, implementation, and focus on sustainability. The meeting also examined the first development target: the Korundi House of Culture. The current state, challenges, and opportunities of Korundi were analyzed, and the partners shared insights and experiences on how to increase visitor numbers and make cultural services more accessible and inclusive for northern residents and travelers.

For more information: Project Manager Malla Alatalo, malla.alatalo(at)lapinamk.fi and project coordinator Elisa Juntunen, elisa.juntunen(at)rovaniemi.fi

Korundi is committed to continuously improve the daily operations to be more responsible. We are committed to saving natural resources and increasing positive environmental impacts on our journey towards more environmentally responsible practices.

Korundi has also achieved the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label as recognition of valuable and long-term work towards sustainable tourism. The STF is a nationwide sustainability program led by Visit Finland for the travel industry in Finland. Through the environmental program, our sustainability work becomes more concrete and measurable.

The last minute tickets are available to all Lapland Chamber Orchestra concerts at Korundi for students with a valid study card! Reclaim your affordable way to concert from Korundi ticket sale just before the venue (from one hour ’til few minutes before the concert). Please note that the offer is valid, if there’s vacancy.

Two for one to concert From Korundi’s jewellery box on 17th November!

Offer for all music lovers! Bring Your friend to concert at get your tickets with only 12€! The offers stands only online on Ticketmaster via this link.

Mini season ticket for November concerts 25€!

Cut the darkness with music and get your Mini season ticket at Korundi ticket sale with your valid study card for only 25€ (normal total price 33€). The mini season ticket includes:

Thursday 3rd November 7pm Premiers galore… not forgetting Boléro!

Harpist Anni Kuusimäki, conductor John Storgårds. Programme includes beloved classics and Finnish premiers. ! Meet the artist with host Anu Jormalainen and composers Osmo-Tapio Räihälä and Aki Yli-Salomäki at 6pm at Korundi Kitchen & Café, free entry.

Thursday 10th November 7pm Embracing the night

Soloist and musical direction renowned violinist Liza Ferschtman.

Thursday 17th November 6pm From Korundi’s jewellery box

Lapland Chamber Orchestra’s own musicians with gems of chamber music from Jaakko Kuusisto and Franz Berwald. The concert does not include an interval and begins at 6pm.