Helinä Rautavaara Ethnographic Museum Foundation

About the Foundation behind the Museum

Detail of a berimbau musical bow, a collection item from Brazil. Photo: Ulla Paakkunainen

The aim of the Foundation behind the Helinä Rautavaara Ethnographic Museum is to maintain the collection, which presents different cultures of the world, and to share our knowledge of cultures beyond Europe.

We do this by maintaining and developing recording, research, exhibition, and publishing activities related to the Museum’s area of expertise, and by striving to add to its collection in accordance with the Foundation’s purpose.

The Helinä Rautavaara Ethnographic Museum Foundation is managed by a seven-member Board elected for two calendar years at a time. The City of Espoo appoints four members to the Foundation Board, with the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Anthropological Society and the Finnish Museum Association each appointing one member. Agent for the Foundation is the Director of the Helinä Rautavaara Museum.

The Board of the Helinä Rautavaara Ethnographic Museum Foundation 2025–2026:

Mikko Björklund (Liik.), City of Espoo

Laura Huttunen, Finnish Anthropological Society

Leea Mellin (NCP), City of Espoo

Kirsi Saarikangas, University of Helsinki, Chairman

Maria Outinen (SDP), City of Espoo

Marjo Poutanen, Finnish Museums Association, Vice-Chairman

Teemu Tares (PerusS), City of Espoo