NOOTTI, THE MUSEUM OF FINNISH-RUSSIAN RELATIONS
Scheduled for public opening on February 15, 2025, Nootti, The Museum of Finnish-Russian Relations emerges as a beacon of shedding light on the intricate tapestry of Finnish-Russian relations spanning over a century. Situated within the premises of the Lenin Museum in Tampere, Finland, Nootti inherits a legacy of historical significance. The museum’s inauguration coincides with the closure of the Lenin Museum on November 3, 2024, marking a transition towards a new chapter in Finnish cultural narrative.
Release of the new museum site www.museonootti.fi is set for the turn of 2024–2025. The website, will offer a glimpse into the genesis, purpose, and vision of Nootti, providing a platform for engagement and anticipation.
Nootti stands as a testament to Finland’s commitment to understanding and contextualizing its relationship with Russia. Delving into the depths of transboundary history, the museum illuminates the spectrum of Finnish-Russian interactions, from the Soviet era to contemporary times.
Operating within Tampere’s historic Workers’ Hall, Nootti converges expertise, critical analysis, and immersive storytelling to offer visitors a unique journey through political history. From the footsteps of Lenin and Stalin to the legacies of Kekkonen and Brezhnev, Nootti encapsulates a panorama of pivotal moments and narratives.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of Finnish and Russian histories, Nootti underscores the importance of comprehending the nuances of political evolution. Through meticulous curation and scholarly inquiry, the museum invites visitors to explore over a century of dynamic events, fostering a deeper understanding of the intertwined destinies of Finland and Russia.
As an institution committed to scholarly integrity and independence, Nootti reaffirms its stance of non-engagement with the Russian state or its representatives, in alignment with prevailing foreign policy dynamics.
NOOTTI, PART OF THE FINNISH LABOUR MUSEUM WERSTAS
Nootti, the Museum of Finnish-Russian Relations, emerges as a part of the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, an esteemed national institution tasked with documenting Finnish working life and social history. Endorsed by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, Werstas is entrusted with preserving the diverse mosaic of Finnish heritage.
Under the stewardship of the Finnish Labour Museum Association, our ethos is encapsulated in the principle of ”fair history.” This commitment extends to providing comprehensive museum services, fostering an ethos of honesty, and constructing a nuanced portrayal of the past. With a vision for an egalitarian, solidarity-driven, and sustainable society, Werstas strives to bridge the gap between history and contemporary relevance.
Last year, our sites welcomed 85,000 visitors, currently, a dedicated team of 31 individuals works to uphold our mission and values.
At Nootti, the ”fair history” mindset takes center stage, emphasizing a neutral approach and a balanced interpretation of the complex legacies of neighboring nations. Recognizing the emotive nature of Finnish-Russian relations, the museum relies on expert knowledge and transboundary perspectives to navigate the intricacies of shared history.
In crafting the main exhibition, spanning over two years of meticulous preparation, Nootti delves into pivotal moments from the Russian Revolution to Finland’s independence. Visitors are invited on a journey through a century of development, interaction, and human experiences on both sides of the border. From the upheavals of world wars to the nuances of everyday life, the exhibition offers insights into cultural dynamics, political shifts, and societal transformations.
Central to Nootti’s narrative is a commitment to standing with the victims of history, transcending state-centric narratives to celebrate the shared humanity of Finns and Russians. By portraying ordinary citizens within a shared story, the museum fosters understanding and empathy, transcending historical divides.
From Finland’s independence to the complexities of the NATO era, Nootti invites visitors to engage with history in all its complexity, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and a deeper appreciation of our interconnected past.
THE REMARKABLE EVOLUTION OF THE LENIN MUSEUM: A PRELUDE TO NOOTTI’S INCEPTION
As anticipation builds for the grand opening of Nootti in the winter of 2025, a fascinating tale of transformation emerges, tracing its origins to the historic corridors of the Lenin Museum. Dating back to either 1946 or as far-reaching as Christmas 1905, the Lenin Museum laid its foundational stones within the same premises that will soon house Nootti. Established at the behest of the Finland-Soviet Union Society and The Allied Control Commission, with governmental support, the museum found its home where Lenin and Stalin first crossed paths in the lecture hall of the Workers’ Hall in December 1905.
In its early years, the Lenin Museum served as a poignant symbol of Finland’s post-World War II recalibration in foreign policy. Tasked with showcasing a shift in stance towards the Soviet Union, the museum took on a pivotal role under the shadow of Stalin’s legacy. As President Kekkonen sought to navigate Finland’s geopolitical landscape during the Cold War, the museum became a diplomatic stage, projecting Lenin as a friend of Finland and a guardian of its independence.
However, with the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the museum faced a paradigm shift. Evolving into an expert repository of Soviet history, it embraced a critical lens, shedding light on previously silenced narratives. The transition culminated in the Finnish Labour Museum Association assuming ownership in early 2014, heralding a new era of reinvention.
Amidst renovations, exhibition overhauls, and economic challenges, the museum’s transformation was inevitable. Responding to audience demands, the focus shifted from Lenin’s persona to a broader exploration of Soviet history, anchored in Western scholarly perspectives. Despite the daunting subject matter, the museum’s renewed narrative garnered praise, with a resounding 90% of visitors affirming its portrayal of history as fair and balanced.
While the museum’s essence underwent profound changes, its name remained unchanged, a testament to its international renown and unique allure. Tampere proudly hosts the only Lenin Museum in the Western world, a symbol of historical significance transcending ideological divides.
As Nootti prepares to unfurl its own narrative, the legacy of the Lenin Museum serves as a poignant precursor, encapsulating the fluidity of history and the enduring quest for truth and understanding.
CHARTING A NEW COURSE: THE BIRTH OF NOOTTI, THE MUSEUM OF FINNISH-RUSSIAN RELATIONS
In response to shifting geopolitical dynamics catalyzed by Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, Finland finds itself at a crossroads, prompting a reevaluation of its foreign policy stance. The authoritarian trajectory of Russian society post-war underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of historical narratives and contemporary realities. Against this backdrop of evolving geopolitical landscapes, Finland’s journey towards NATO membership and the recalibration of its eastern borders mark significant milestones in its geopolitical evolution.
Originally conceived to conclude with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the narrative arc of the museum’s exhibition has expanded to encompass the complexities of the 2020s. From the conflict in Ukraine to the authoritarian resurgence within Russia, the evolving exhibition content has outgrown the confines of its original name.
In an era where history serves as a lens through which to comprehend the present, the outdated nomenclature of the museum no longer resonates with its evolving content or the interests of its audience. While Leninism once dominated the discourse, contemporary focus has shifted towards broader themes within Russian society. The museum’s future mandate extends beyond the confines of Lenin’s era to encompass the dynamic continuum of Finnish-Russian relations.
Thus, the decision to rebrand the museum as Nootti, The Museum of Finnish-Russian Relations, reflects a commitment to aligning its identity with its evolving mission. Embracing a fresh identity, Nootti will serve as a beacon of knowledge, catering to diverse audiences and fostering community engagement.
While the Lenin Museum has weathered its share of criticism over the years, the decision to transition to Nootti stems from a museum-oriented perspective, free from external pressures. As the curtains close on the 78-year legacy of the Lenin Museum in autumn 2024, a new chapter begins with Nootti, rooted in the same organizational ethos, values, and expertise.
Welcome to explore Nootti starting from February 15, 2025!