Gems of the Collections at Mobilia: Everyday Vehicles That Tell Finland's Story

Mobilia’s Gems of the Collections in the Fenno Gallery is open to the public through 29 August 2027, offering a window into how the museum selects everyday vehicles and objects for Finland’s shared cultural heritage.

The exhibition follows the museum’s recent programme of themed displays and events including the museum’s 1990s 'Ysärijysäri' exhibition earlier this year. Mobilia is a national responsibility museum appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture; its holdings include thousands of items and vehicles, though only a small fraction is normally on display.

Selection is based not on rarity or market value but on an object’s ability to tell stories about everyday life, work, travel and social change in Finland.

The display ranges widely in time and type. The oldest vehicle is a 1905 Oldsmobile; at the other end is a 1980s Volkswagen Polo chosen to represent ordinary Finnish life. Visitors can also see a Chevrolet Capitol truck linked to early freight transport, an almost century-old Sisu fire engine, an ambulance that served Tampere, a Lada reflecting trade between east and west, and a rarely seen road roller.

The museum aims to shift attention from technical milestones and collectibles to the social history held in everyday vehicles. It is open daily, with extended hours on Thursday evenings until 19:00.