On 26 April 2025, it will be 160 years since the birth of Axel Waldemar Gallén, born into a Swedish-speaking family in Pori, Finland. The life and art of the artist, who changed his name to Akseli Gallen-Kallela in 1907, will be celebrated throughout the year with events, exhibitions and publications.

First exhibition of the anniversary year Aleksandra Ionowa – Visions of the Spirit World and Peace will highlight a Finnish artist that few have even heard of. Aleksandra Ionowa (1899–1980) was known by her inner circle as a remarkable mystic artist who was believed to play an important role in the spiritual development of humanity. Just as the Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, Ionowa made her art under the guidance of higher spiritual beings. The exhibition is curated by the Donner Institute’s research doctor Nina Kokkinen, who has specialized in the study of art and religion.

Museums summer exhibition will explore Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s work as a designer. Akseli Gallen-Kallela is often described as the ”father” of Finnish modern design, whose textiles and furniture for the Iris Room, exhibited in the Finnish Pavilion at the 1900 Paris World Fair helped create the concept of the so-called ”Finnish style”. The exhibition I want to do it all myself! – Designed by Akseli Gallen-Kallela features textiles, furniture, objects and art from the museum’s collection that highligts the less know parts of the artist’s career. The exhibition offers inspiration and ideas for all art and design lovers!

The exhibition on the life and work of Pentti Linkola (1932-2020), which will open in autumn, is organised in cooperation with the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation. The photographic exhibition will highlight the old forests and endangered areas that were important habitats and destinations for eco-philosopher and fisherman Pentti Linkola. The central visual element of the exhibition are the landscape photographs by Finnish photographer Taneli Eskola. Gallen-Kallela’s paintings focus on the artist’s personal exploration of nature and his thoughts on the sacredness of forests and trees. The texts in the exhibition, written by Anneli Jussila, deepen Linkola’s thinking and concern about the loss of vital natural heritage. The exhibition is a powerful statement on the importance and impact of nature conservation in an era of climate change and nature loss.