The art gallery was founded by the professor of aesthetics Fredrik Cygnaeus.
It opened to the public in 1882, and is today owned by the Finnish Heritage Agency.
The gallery contains mainly Finnish art from the 19th century, c. 200 works in total.
Among artists represented are Albert Edelfelt, the Von Wright brothers, Fanny Churberg and Helene Schjerfbeck.
[1][2] Apart from the permanent collections the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and is used, among other things, as concert venue.