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There were three established houses in the village by the 17th century, and they were called Kohmo, Rasi and Huhko. Each house was divided into two in the 18th century and subsequently got the prefixes Iso (big) and Vähä (small). Four of the former six houses remain today: Iso and Vähä-Kohmo, and Iso and Vähä-Rasi. The houses still stand on their original 18th century sites. Both of the Huhko houses have been joined to the Iso-Rasi house.
The Kylämäki Village is surrounded by fields, meadows and pasturage, which is a sign of the long-lasting coexistence of man and nature. These traditional biotopes are sustained by pasturing and reaping. The flora of the area is also mapped regularly in order to monitor the development of the species.
The Kylämäki Village in Kurala opened to the public in 1988. The Kylämäki Village is not a typical open-air museum. It is a village where history is brought to life with demonstrations and authentic experiences. For twenty years the museum's workshop was a place to try out archaeological work, but today you can go in and explore traditional handicrafts.
During the summer you can see many farm animals in Kurala, and pasturage is an integral part of maintaining the traditional landscape of the Kylämäki Village. The museum is loyal to the 1950s when it comes to its animals. All the animals you see there now are ones that the inhabitants already kept in the 1950s. The animals have spacious pasture lands where they lighten up the landscape.
All the animals living in Kurala during the summer are owned by a private animal keeper, who is in charge of their care.
The farmed cultural landscape of Kurala began taking shape in the Iron Age, over a thousand years ago. By the Middle Iron Age, the former straits of the sea had formed the River Aura and the River Jaaninoja. People settled along the rivers.
Pentathlon at Kylämäki
You can test your fitness in the playful pentathlon at Kylämäki. You will need traditional skills and smarts when you’re pulling sheets or running in a bean bag relay race. Can you still write with an authentic ballpoint pen? You will spend a pleasant day together racing in good fun.
Duration ~2hours
You can reserve delicious snacks from the café Omena ja Kaneli to enjoy at the end of your day.
Day with a maid
This tour is planned for children in kindergarten or preschool. The maid of Kylämäki will act as your guide and tell the little visiting maids and farmworkers about the grounds and chores in the village.
The domestic animals in Kylämäki are a favourite amongst children and will no doubt get lots of attention during this tour. The dwellers of the Vähä-Kohmo farm will tell you many interesting, and even a bit thrilling, stories about the old days.
Wife test
The skills of the future wife are tested in a light-minded manner. How good is the bride in crafts, cow calling and women’s gymnastics? Her education will also be tested in a 1950s class room.
During the bridal tour you will learn about the history of Kylämäki, visit the Iso-Kohmo house and learn some traditional cooking.
Duration: 2 hours
Group size 10-15 people
You should bring outdoor clothing and good shoes.
Throw a memorable birthday party at the farm! The energetic maid Lempi will lead you to an adventure in the 1950s village. The secret pathway, the barn corner and the kitchen-cum-living room serve as the atmospheric background for stories about the animals and people of the village. You will get to try old-time games and trials of strength as well as play house, shopkeeper and school.
Duration 2 hours
Preferred group size 10-12 children
Ages 5-12
Schools in the past
What was it like when your grandmother went to school? How did they behave back then and what did they learn in school? These are some of the questions pupils will get answers to with the guidance of the mistress of Kylämäki, all in the spirit of the 1950s.
Welcome to the Kylämäki Village in Kurala! Here you can be guided through a 1950s farmhouse and hear about the history of the village and its houses, courtyards and gardens.
The dramatized and action-packed tours will excite visitors of all ages.
You can also enjoy Kylämäki on your own terms throughout the year. The museum buildings are open during the summer and for special occasions.
