Art Centre Salmela, Art gallery in Mäntyharju, Finland.
Art Centre Salmela is an art gallery housed in multiple restored 19th-century buildings that include a former parish house, an old apothecary, and a postal office. The site features a waterside sculpture park and a restaurant called Kesäheinä where visitors can eat while exploring the grounds.
The venue opened in 1993 and grew into one of Finland's largest art institutions over the following decades. Its artist residency program has supported more than 150 young creators since its founding.
The venue hosts an annual summer exhibition that showcases both established Finnish artists and emerging creators, drawing visitors who want to see contemporary work in a rural setting. This programming draws crowds during warmer months and gives the place a seasonal rhythm that locals and travelers alike have come to expect.
The venue operates primarily during the summer exhibition season and is open daily during those warmer months. Plan your visit when exhibitions are active to experience the full program and outdoor sculpture park in pleasant weather.
During the off-season winter months, the venue provides free housing and studio space to a small group of artists, allowing them to work in isolation and peace. This less-known practice turns the space into a creative retreat when most visitors do not arrive.
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