Turku Prison Museum
Step into an 1800s pharmacy and 1700s home in Turku. Engage your senses with historical remedies and daily life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Turku Prison Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into an 1800s pharmacy and 1700s home in Turku. Engage your senses with historical remedies and daily life.
"Like stepping into Diagon Alley, a magical world of spells and potions!"
⏳ Allow 1-3 Hours
This charming museum is small but packed with history. Perfect for a focused visit without feeling rushed.
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss the interactive scent tests and herb room – it's a unique way to experience history!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Old Pharmacy
Main exhibition hall
Discover the authentic 1800s pharmacy, complete with original items and a fascinating look at historical medicinal practices.

Pharmacist's Residence
Upstairs living quarters
Step into the living spaces of the pharmacist's family and experience how they lived in the 1700s and 1800s.

Sensory Experience Room
Dedicated interactive area
Engage your sense of smell with historical herbs and participate in scent tests, bringing history to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Engage Your Senses
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Fun things to do?
⏳ Allow 1-3 Hours
This charming museum is small but packed with history. Perfect for a focused visit without feeling rushed.
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss the interactive scent tests and herb room – it's a unique way to experience history!
Turku prison hotel
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The on-site cafe offers authentic and delicious cakes, a perfect treat after your visit.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Children love the 'magical' potion-making feel and interactive elements, reminiscent of Harry Potter.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow 1-3 Hours
This charming museum is small but packed with history. Perfect for a focused visit without feeling rushed.
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss the interactive scent tests and herb room – it's a unique way to experience history!
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The on-site cafe offers authentic and delicious cakes, a perfect treat after your visit.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Children love the 'magical' potion-making feel and interactive elements, reminiscent of Harry Potter.
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced at around 7€, making it a great value for an enriching experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Turku Prison Museum for its fascinating historical exhibits, particularly the authentic 1800s pharmacy and pharmacist's home. The interactive sensory elements and family-friendly atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it an engaging and educational experience for all ages. While small, its charm and affordability make it a highly recommended stop.
"A beautiful and fascinating historical museum located inside the historic Turku pharmacy building and the home of the old pharmacist family.
This is an opportunity to enter a chapter in local history. The exhibitions and activities at the place change throughout the year according to the holidays.
There is a cafe in the complex that is the most authentic and with the most delicious cakes in the city!
The museum is accessible and adapted for children who can see, smell, and touch the history of science. During the holidays there are lovely activities for the whole family.
For us, it has become a place to visit whenever the children want to feel like they are in Diagon Alley in the magical world of spells and potions of Harry Potter... 🗝🧙♂️👳♀️🪔🔮🫕🕯🧝♂️🧙♀️🪄✨️✨️"
Einat Schreibman Fainholtz
"Lovely little place, where you can learn a bit about past medicinal uses and how people lived in the past! I really liked the smelling test as well and the herb room 😁
Had a cafe closeby and ticket prices were good!"
Maraboop
"Smallish, but quite interesting! Worth a visit and not necessary to spend all day. If you have 1-3h to spare this is a good choice. Nice café too."
Wiley E. Coyote
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Turku. Public transport options are readily available, and it's often within walking distance of other city attractions. Check local bus routes for the most convenient access.
Parking availability can vary in the city center. It's advisable to check for nearby public parking garages or street parking regulations before your visit.
The museum is described as accessible and adapted for children, suggesting good accessibility. However, it's always best to confirm specific details regarding wheelchair access with the museum directly.
The museum is a great addition to a day exploring Turku's historical center. Consider pairing it with nearby historical sites or enjoying lunch at one of the recommended local eateries.
Yes, the museum is located in a central area, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in Turku's city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry tickets are very affordable, typically around 7€, offering excellent value for the historical experience provided.
Advance booking is generally not required for this museum, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any specific advisories, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
Opening hours can vary, especially with seasonal changes and holiday events. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on their operating times.
While specific discount information isn't widely detailed, the general admission price is already very affordable. Check with the museum for potential group rates or special offers.
The museum is noted for being family-friendly with activities for children. Inquire directly with the museum about any family ticket options or packages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a 1700s wooden house, including an 1800s pharmacy and the pharmacist's family home. Interactive exhibits, scent tests, and historical displays offer a deep dive into local history and science.
Absolutely! Children often find the museum engaging, comparing it to a 'magical world' of potions and spells. Interactive elements and historical smells make it fun.
Most visitors find that 1 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly and enjoy the cafe.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended, especially if you can get a guide in English. They are knowledgeable and enhance the experience significantly.
The museum features many original items from the pharmacy and the pharmacist's home, offering an authentic glimpse into past life and practices.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an authentic cafe on-site that is highly praised for its delicious cakes and pleasant atmosphere.
The cafe is particularly known for its cakes, offering a delightful treat for visitors. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the museum.
Turku has many excellent dining options. For recommendations on good lunch and dinner places, exploring the city center near the museum will yield many choices.
Typically, museums do not allow outside food in exhibition areas. It's best to enjoy your own food outside the museum or at the designated cafe.
Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is not widely available. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some visitors have shared photos, it's always best to check for signage or ask staff about restrictions to ensure you're following museum guidelines.
The authentic pharmacy setup and the historical living quarters offer many visually interesting details. The overall atmosphere of the old building is very photogenic.
Visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, might offer better lighting and fewer people in your shots.
Generally, professional equipment and tripods are restricted in museums to protect exhibits and ensure visitor flow. Always confirm with the museum.
You can capture detailed shots of historical pharmacy items, period furniture, and the unique architecture of the old wooden house, offering a glimpse into the past.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during holiday periods when special family activities are often organized. The museum is also noted for being accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Don't forget to enjoy the on-site cafe for a sweet treat after exploring the historical pharmacy and residence.
💰 Budget Travelers
The museum is also a great option for a shorter visit, typically requiring only 1-3 hours, which can save on time and potentially other activity costs. Combine your visit with a walk around the city center and a picnic lunch to maximize savings while still experiencing Turku's charm.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Look for opportunities to join a guided tour, especially if an English-speaking guide is available, as they can offer deeper insights and answer specific historical questions. The presence of many original artifacts further enhances the historical authenticity of the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Turku's Past
The museum's interactive nature is a significant draw. Unlike static displays, it encourages visitors to engage their senses, particularly through scent. The ability to smell historical herbs and participate in scent tests makes the experience remarkably immersive. This hands-on approach is especially appealing to families, with children often drawing comparisons to magical worlds of potions and spells, reminiscent of popular fantasy stories.
Beyond the historical exhibits, the museum complex includes a highly-rated cafe. This provides a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the historical journey, often complemented by delicious cakes. The overall experience is described as enriching, affordable, and a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in local history, science, or unique cultural experiences in Turku.
Engaging Young Minds with History
This interactive approach has led to comparisons with the magical world of Harry Potter, where children can imagine themselves as budding apothecaries or potion masters. The museum's staff, sometimes dressed in period clothing, further enhance this immersive atmosphere, making the historical context feel more tangible. The affordability of the entrance fee also makes it an attractive option for families looking for educational yet fun outings.
For families planning a visit, dedicating a few hours allows ample time for children to explore and engage with the exhibits without feeling rushed. The on-site cafe also offers a convenient break for snacks or a light meal, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. The museum's ability to blend education with entertainment makes it a standout attraction for families visiting Turku.
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