Pori Art Museum is situated in the centre of the town by the river Kokemaki; it resides in an old ware- and weighhouse originally built for the use of the customs. The ware- and weighhouse was built of stone on the riverbank below the town hall in 1858 - 1860. This large rusticated building that extends through the whole block was designed by architect C.J. von Heideken. In 1897 the ware and weighhouse was expanded by architect Gustaf Nystrom who gave the ware- and weighhouse its present external form. The conversion of the warehouse into an art museum was started in the 1970s. Plans were made by the architect's office Arkkitehdit Ky under the supervision of Mr. Kristian Gullichsen. The exterior of the building was restored to follow the 1897 renovation. The interiors that had originally been designed to serve as cold storage space had to be rebuilt almost completely. The vaulted doors became windows facing the beautiful historical riverbank milieu. The art museum was completed in 1981.

EXPANSION OF THE ART MUSEUM
Preparations for expanding the Pori Art Museum beneath the town hall hill began in 1997. The first stage included the reorganization of the museum lounge and cafe; this also benefited the museum shop which got new light and cosy premises adjacent to the renovated cafe. The building of the extension actually started in the spring of 1999. The entire building is situated underground and fitted with skylights. The art museum is connected to the extension along the Pakkahuoneenkatu street by glazed corridors, and the terrace between the corridors can be used for exhibitions.
The archaeological excavations for the foundation contributed an interesting addition to the extension: a stone cellar dating back to the 17th century that was found on the site is now preserved as part of the architectural structure. The extension was designed by the Arkkitehdit Ky under the supervision of Kristian Gullichsen. It was completed in the spring of 2000.

  • ECO-ART Exhibition starts the 30th Anniversary (1981-2011) of the PORI ART MUSEUM
    It includes contemporary artists and artist collaborations in the fields of environmental and ecological art.
    Curated by Pia Hovi-Assad and Guest Curators John K. Grande (USA) and Peter Selz (USA)

    "Nature is the Art of which We are Part"
    LECTURE BY JOHN K. GRANDE
    February 2, 2011

    ECO-ART EXHIBITION
    February 4-May 29, 2011

    Artist
  • ANDY GOLDSWORTHY
  • Cattails Large Screen Construction
    June 10 - September 11, 2011

    In co-operation with Royal Botanical Gardens (Canada),Galerie Lelong (USA), Electronic Arts Intermix (USA), and ECOARTNET (USA).
    Related Links:

  • ECOART  CALENDARPORI ART MUSEUM 30th Anniversary Celebration (1981-2011)PORI ART MUSEUM
    John K. Grande/Ecological Art REVIEWECOLOGICAL ART REVIEW Special EditionANDY GOLDSWORTHY-Pori Art Museum 2011
    Andy Goldsworthy LECTURE/June 11, 2011Andy Goldsworthy at PORI ART MUSEUM/2011Processed Art/Ecoartpedia 2016/Ecologicalart REVIEW 2016
    Ephemeral Art/Earth Art Exhibition/2008 Curated by John K. GrandeEARTHWORKS/EARTH ART Exhibit  2008/Royal Botanical Gardens, Ontario, CanadaRobert Smithson Spiral Jetty Video
    Robert Smithson (1938-1973) The  Collected Writings/BOOK HUGGERS SELECTIONS"ECOART MOBILES" ShowsECOARTNET/ BEST OF THE WEB NOMINEE  Museums and the Web Awards 2006
    Museums and the Web2011 UPDATEEARTH  DAY 1970-2010 EXHIBITION/PUBLIC ART/G2PAECOARTPEDIA Digital Ecological Art Library