The cultural scene ranges from medieval church art and historic museum buildings to public art in Nikkilä. You can choose the focus of your stay according to whether you are particularly interested in architectural history, life in Sipoo in the past or art in public spaces.

Churches from the Middle Ages to the Neo-Gothic period

Sipoo Old Church, also known as St. Sigfrid’s Church, was built in the mid-15th century. Its wall and vault paintings also date from the 15th century; they were made using earth pigments and charcoal. The building’s construction date and painted decoration offer two related perspectives on the church: its medieval origins and the materials used in the paintings. This draws attention not only to the church as a building, but also to the historic decoration of its interior surfaces.

Sipoo New Church presents a different architectural style: it is a Neo-Gothic red-brick church designed by Theodor Decker. It was consecrated in 1885 and is used by Sipoo’s Finnish- and Swedish-speaking congregations. Visits are possible by prior appointment only. If you plan to visit, arrange your appointment in advance and confirm it again before your trip.

The Agricultural Museum is located in an old granary right next to the New Church. It displays historic tools and vehicles, complementing the religious buildings with insights into agricultural history. For information about opening hours, it is advisable to contact the operator.

Museum buildings and local history

The Sibbesgården local history museum is in Gesterby, one of Sipoo’s oldest villages. Its grounds include several old buildings that illustrate life in Sipoo in the past. Rather than a single church building or an exhibition of agricultural tools and vehicles, the focus here is an ensemble of historic buildings.

Art and history in Nikkilä

Nikkilä has several public artworks that are open to everyone and free to access. At Arava House, artist Rustam QBic created a mural that extends around the entire building. It was completed in September 2017 as part of the UPEA17 art event. While the Old Church’s paintings cover walls and vaults, this mural encompasses the whole building.

Another historical thread leads to the former Nikkilä Mental Hospital, which closed in 1999. It was the first hospital to employ a gymnastics instructor and establish art therapy groups. The former hospital’s art collection comprises more than 10,000 works and belongs to the City of Helsinki.

The former hospital grounds are now a residential area, and you can walk among the Art Nouveau buildings. If you visit, leave your vehicle in public parking outside the area and walk in. Keep away from private courtyards and do not enter any buildings.

A historic site on the estuary

Sibbesborg Fortress once stood on the island of Storängsholmen in the Sipoo estuary. It was in use for a short time during the reign of King Albert of Mecklenburg of Sweden in the late 14th century.

Discover more destinations

Kurkimäki, Hermala, Vihti, Skuru, Porvoo, Helsinki, Vantaa, Hattom

For the broader travel overview: Uusimaa.