The Museum of Torne Valley has been selected as a finalist in the Museum of the Year 2025 competition. Since 2014, the Finnish Museums Association and the ICOM Finland Committee have awarded three prestigious recognitions in the museum field: Museum of the Year, Museum Publication of the Year, and Museum Communication Act of the Year. This year, the winner will be announced at the National Museum Days, held in Pori from May 21 to 23.
“When the news arrived, I was in a Teams meeting for official negotiations. I muted my microphone and video and read the message a couple of times. Since then, the atmosphere has been incredibly warm and enthusiastic. This is a great recognition of our museum community’s cross-border work in cultural heritage,” says Museum Director Titta Kallio-Seppä.
“The competition for a finalist spot was, once again, extremely tough. This year’s finalists stood out with their innovation and contemporary impact,” says Maj Meriluoto, Chair of the Award Committee, in the Finnish Museums Association’s press release.
The statement also highlights that the Museum of Torne Valley strongly embodies borderlessness and cross-border collaboration. The museum serves as an excellent example of how culture and history can be used to build meaningful connections.
The competition for the Museum of the Year award includes Lahti Museums, the Media Museum and Archive Merkki from Helsinki, and the Museum of Torne Valley. The Museum of the Year recognition consists of a rotating award, the sculpture Esko by artist Pekka Kauhanen, and an honorary diploma.
Cross-Border Museum Work Highlighted in the Application
The Museum of Torne Valley – Tornionlaakson museo – Tornedalens museum – is a unique cross-border museum that serves as a joint custodian of cultural heritage for Finland and Sweden. It is a pioneer in developing borderless museum activities, with operations based on strong collaboration, accessibility, and the revitalization of cultural heritage. In recent years, the museum has particularly focused on the status of the Meänkieli language, international projects, and innovative approaches to audience engagement and cultural heritage work, presenting the region’s history and identity in bold and creative ways.
Key Excerpts from the Application:
The Museum of Torne Valley
Is a unique pioneer in borderless museum operations.
Is a fearless leader in world-class cultural heritage work.
Keeps up with the times and takes a bold stance on issues related to the cultural heritage of the river valleys.
Is a borderless meeting place and a strong memory of our shared cultural heritage.
Emphasizes a research-driven approach in its operations.
Finnish Museums Association’s Press Release on the Museum of the Year 2025 Finalists
Link: https://museoliitto.fi/uutinen/museoliitto-ja-icom-suomen-komitea-palkitsevat-vuoden-museon-kilpailun-finaaliin-on-valittu-kolme-museota/
