Descend into the preserved medieval street layers beneath a 14th-century courtyard, then ascend into world-class contemporary Finnish art — all in one extraordinary, dual-museum experience in central Turku.
What to expect
A private museum educator guides you through the subterranean archaeological site — actual medieval streets, cellars, and artefacts preserved under glass floors — explaining how Turku's merchant city functioned in the 1300s. You then move upstairs into the luminous Ars Nova galleries, where the guide contextualises the contemporary Finnish works against the ancient city below. The combination of timescales — medieval stone and modern canvas — creates a uniquely thought-provoking experience. Finishing with coffee in the riverside café terrace, looking out over the Aura, is the perfect close.
Good to know
Located a 15-minute walk or short taxi from the cruise terminal on the Aura River. Open daily in summer; private guided slots must be pre-booked via bookturku.fi. Allow 2–2.5 hours. Perfectly combined with a riverside lunch before returning to port.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Turku — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.