Central Finland is home to many inspiring cultural sites where art, history and local stories come together. In this blog, our trainee introduces three places worth visiting: Toinila Art Space in Petäjävesi, Saarijärvi Museum and Taidesaari in Jyväskylä.
ToiniLIGHT
ToiniLIGHT is an art project lead by art duo Johanna Juvonen and Biagio Rosa, from Accademia delle Belle Arti di Urbino in Italy. They have been active since early 2000s in between publications, art expositions, and projects.
The Toinila Taidetila (”Art Space”) was an abandoned house for many years, before being repurposed to host art-oriented activities for children.
Both the yard and the walls of the house show the creativity of the young generations of Finland.
Inside, you are welcomed by a wall-to-wall collection of paintings. By employing neon colors on a black canvas and special lighting, it’s the closest you can get to experiencing being surrounded by the Northern lights.
But painting is not the only art form you can encounter upon visiting Taidetila. For children, there is no difference between playing a game and making art, but the joy of it still stands. For example, building dreamcatchers out of recycled materials found in their homes is a great way to also develop useful skills.
Learn more about Biagio and Johanna’s projects:
@johanna_biagio_art
@old.skool.jkl (summer 2026)
@kuntataitelijat
Celebrating 40 Years of the Saarijärvi Museum
If you haven’t yet visited the Saarijärvi Museum, then you haven’t experienced Central Finland to the fullest. Truly a must-go-see institution, masterfully blending art and cultural history in its most recent Program 2026-2027 (in English).
The exhibition period spans over 11 months, during which you’ll be able to explore the evolution of Saarijärvi as a community, an expressive and multi-faceted portrait of the town and its people.
And if that wasn’t enough for you, the museum experience extends beyond the main building. During the summer months the Stone Age Village and the Tapper’s Juhola open their doors for an immersive dive into local history and artistic life.
Taidesaari
If you ever felt somehow limited, like there’s more out there to experience, but you just don’t have the energy to chase it, maybe planning another long outing feels overwhelming, even if your curiosity is pulling you forward.
Here’s the good news: inspiration doesn’t always require a grand journey. Sometimes, it’s just a short ride away.
Within easy reach of the city lies Varassaari, a small island that offers a refreshing change of pace. Just a 30-minute bus ride from Jyväskylä Bus Station (Linkkikeskus), this creative haven feels worlds away from everyday routines.
Whether your interests lean toward photography, clay, glass art, painting, sculpture, or textile-based practices, Varassaari brings them all together in one place. It’s not about choosing one path, it’s about giving yourself permission to explore freely.
At the heart of the island is Taidesaari (in Finnish), a vibrant community dedicated to artistic exploration. Here, courses and workshops are led by experienced artists who will guide you through personal discovery.
One of the most welcoming aspects? There’s no entry-level requirement. You don’t need prior experience or technical skill, just curiosity. The philosophy is simple yet powerful: the process of creating and the act of discovering yourself can exist side by side.
Instead of pressure to perform, you’ll find encouragement to experiment. Instead of rigid expectations, there’s room to lose track of time, to follow your instincts, and to reconnect with your creative side.
A day in Varassaari is more than just a visit, it’s about stepping into a slower rhythm. A gentle reminder that inspiration is closer than you think.
And before you leave, make sure to stop by the local shop. Supporting the artists by purchasing their work is a meaningful way to carry a piece of that experience home with you and to help sustain the creative community that made your visit special.
Giulia Tibullo
The author is a student of intercultural communication at the University of Jyväskylä. She completed a three-month internship at the Regional Council of Central Finland.