A Finn in a Russian uniform, a horse covered in a white sheet, and a cannon on skis. These are just a few of the many exhibits that greet you at the Jalkaväkimuseo – Infantry Museum in Mikkeli.
Founded in 1982, the museum operates in two wooden barracks of the former Mikkeli garrison. The barrack area was built according to the plans of Architects E. B. Lohrmann and A. Boman at the end of the 19th century. Originally, housing the conscripts of the 6th Mikkeli Finnish Rifle Battalion, the barracks would see continuous use by the military until the Savo Brigade moved to the newly built Karkialammi barracks in the 1960s.
Guests are greeted by a 75mm PaK-40 and a T-20 Komsomolets towing a 75 PstK/97-38 “Mulatti” guarding the well-maintained courtyard. The main building houses the museum’s permanent exhibits, telling the story of the emergence of the independent Finnish army, from the precarious early days of the Civil War to the bitterly cold battles of the Winter War, throughout the struggle of the Continuation War, towards the firestorm of the Lapland War. With the help of skillfully made dioramas, you can follow how the battles of Tuulos or Ihantala progressed. All the displays are well presented, as well as accompanied by multilingual descriptions to allow you to understand what you are seeing.
One of the last exhibits, if you follow the museum’s path, is the Knights’ Hall. Dedicated to honouring the recipients of the Mannerheim Cross who served in the infantry. The main wall contains pictures and information about the Mannerheim Knights. The hall is also used to give presentations and lectures at various times.
The museum is a must-visit for those with an interest in Finnish Military History.
