The Saima Kindergarten is a living kindergarten museum located in Pori’s historic Appelqvist House. The museum opened its doors in 2016 with the mission of preserving Pori’s rich kindergarten history and bringing the educational and philosophical thoughts of Friedrich Froebel to the modern day.
Today, Saima offers children, families and educators practical experiences through our museum exhibition and old toys that everyone can play with!
We offer a child-friendly environment and welcome everyone!
Saima organises Doors Open Day events on the first Sunday of every month, where children and adults are welcome to visit and explore the museum. Special, seasonal events are also organised several times a year, with the goal of celebrating Finnish seasons and traditions. For more info about upcoming events, make sure to check out and follow our socials on Facebook and Instagram.
At our events, adults can enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee from our café and learn the history of Pori’s kindergartens while kids play with Saima’s old toys and learn about history through play. Events held at Saima are free of charge and open to the public. Want to support the museum? We also accept cash tips and donations from our visitors. Make sure to check our giftshop as well!
The Appelqvist House
The Saima Kindergarten museum is located in the Appelqvist House, one of the oldest wooden houses in Itätulli, the fifth district of Pori.
The building is named after the Appelvist family, who originally built the house in the mid-19th century as a residential building. The Appelvist House has survived the Pori fires and the passage of time. Today, it is owned by the city of Pori and has been the home of the Saima Kindergarten museum since 2016.
LasTMu ry Association
Saima is run by the Porin Lastentarhamuseon ystävät association. The association is driven by volunteer-based work and run by kindergarten teachers, as well as social and cultural professionals.
The purpose of the association is to cherish and preserve Pori’s valuable kindergarten history, tangible and intangible heritage, including traditional artifacts and educational materials, and to revive pedagogical methods based on this material.
Who is Saima?
The Saima Kindergarten museum is named after Saima Kyhä (born Saima Gustafsson, 1888-1974), a significant figure in the development of the first professionally managed Finnish-language kindergarten in Pori, the Finnish Public Kindergarten (“Porin Suomalainen Kansanlastentarha”).
Saima graduated as a kindergarten teacher in 1909 and began working immediately afterwards. She was a dedicated and caring educator, and in 1912 became the head of Pori’s Finnish Public Kindergarten.
Saima Kyhä dedicated her life to the kindergarten and educating children. She became known as “the mother of all children.” In 1958, she retired from her position as the head of the kindergarten at the age of 70.
Much like Saima, our living kindergarten museum aims to create opportunities for peaceful play, developing handcraft skills, and promoting gardening as a way to strengthen our connection to nature.
Visit us!
Visit Saima and learn about the history of kindergartens in Pori through play. Old toys, hot beverages, and the charm of our historic house are waiting.
Everyone is welcome!
Find us at The Appelqvist House / Vähälinnankatu 2, Pori. Free parking available next to te building (Tullipuominkatu 3).