The elves are coming back to the Satakunta Museum in November

The elves are very busy. The hard-working and colorful group of elves is still making the missing Christmas presents, wrapping and organizing gift packages for Christmas Eve, but they also enjoy relaxing moments in good company. The most observant visitors may spot nimble forest elves, or perhaps a shy sauna elf or an animal-loving stable elf. And what about the observer elves? They seem to be on the move already…

MUSEUM VISITS, GROUP AND GUIDED TOUR RESERVATIONS – book now!

Elves are a living cultural heritage and have made a long and colorful journey through Finnish history. Over time, these slightly grumpy and unpredictable creatures have become Santa’s helpers, baking gingerbread cookies and distributing gifts. But how did the elves make their way from the forests to Korvatunturi via saunas and drying barns? The best way to find answers to this and many other questions is to take a guided tour of the exhibition. The content of the tours is always designed to suit visitors of all ages.

• We offer guided tours for both children and adults, so adult groups are also welcome to visit the museum, for example, as a pre-Christmas party, says museum assistant Sari Kaarto.

Guided tours must always be booked in advance. Due to the exhibition’s popularity, even independent group visits must be booked in advance. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the exhibition in peace. Individual visitors and families can visit the Tontut exhibition during the museum’s opening hours without a reservation.

• Tontut has long been a favorite with the public, and the exhibition has been particularly crowded on weekday mornings. Morning slots are almost fully booked, but there are still some slots available around noon and later, so it is advisable to contact the museum as soon as possible, recommends Carita Tulkki, Public Relations Curator.

Guided tour times, prices, and booking instructions can be found on the museum’s website: https://satakunnanmuseo.pori.fi/nayttelyt/tulossa-tontut/

EVENTS

ELF CLAY WORKSHOP Wednesday, October 22, at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Inspired by the Elves exhibition, this autumn break workshop will focus on making clay elves. There are many different types of elves, including home, sauna, stable, forest, and Christmas elves. What kind of elf would you like to make? The elves will be painted with clay paints but not glazed. The works will be fired in a ceramic kiln and can be picked up from the museum after a week. The workshop will be led by Tiina Ranta from Savisiipi.

The workshops last about an hour and start on the hour at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Each workshop can accommodate 16 people. The workshop fee is €5 per person and includes one clay figurine. Tickets can be purchased in advance at verkkokauppa.pori.fi or from the Satakunta Museum ticket office. Tickets are also available at the museum on the day of the workshop, if there are places available. The admission fee is paid separately at the museum if you want to include a visit to the museum in your day. Admission is free for children under 18 and students.

ELF DAY on Saturday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Elf Day features elf-themed activities throughout the day: come and choose your elf name, vote for your favorite elf, search for runaway elves, and get into the Christmas spirit! During the day, there will also be two performances of BRRR!! – The Return of the Ski Ballet, and a pop-up library will also be on site.

BRRR!!! – The Return of the Ski Ballet at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the Taavi Stage
The queen of retro sports, ski ballet, is back in full swing! Inspired by winter’s most fascinating spectacle and alpine skiing aesthetics, this circus theater performance will thrill spectators with the most unique artistic sport of the year. After a successful performance, it’s time to party in the whirlwind of the monodisco and thaw frozen fingers and noses.

The incredible skiing acrobatics and skillful winter juggling will make hearts beat faster beneath the thick layers of clothing. Warning – this performance may change your life and turn your straightforward skiing style into a captivating spin!

The performance is produced by the multidisciplinary Säilättäret group. The performance lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Pop-up library 11 a.m.–3 p.m. / 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

On Elf Day, the museum will host the Pori City Library’s pop-up library. This means that when you visit the museum, you can conveniently borrow some Christmas reading material and spin the Wheel of Fortune, which offers elf-themed prizes!

If Elf Day doesn’t fit into your schedule, there are also self-guided activities available throughout the exhibition. Admission to Elf Day is included in the ticket price or with a Museum Card. Free for children under 18 and students.

There will also be interesting Museum Card offers during the Elf exhibition. Come and check out what the Museum Shop has to offer!

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

Elves at the Satakunta Museum November 11, 2025 – January 6, 2026, Tue–Sun 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and Wed 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
The Satakunta Museum will be closed on December 6, December 24–25, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
The museum will close at 3 p.m. on December 23 and 31.
The museum will be open as usual on Boxing Day, December 26, between Christmas and New Year, and on Epiphany, January 6.

Photo: Mikael Leppäniemi, SatM