Southern Savo has 12 municipalities, which have a total of 37
local museums, attractions and exhibitions. There are four
professionally run museums; the rest are run by nonprofessionals
or are run by the towns in conjunction with their
other cultural activities. The majority of museums were founded
in the 1960–70s as a result of enthusiastic work done on
developing and preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
Later on, these associations have ceased their activities in many
towns, resulting in the collections and buildings that had been
converted into museums becoming the towns’ responsibility.
Some museums have been established in old granaries, some
in old industrial buildings. Museums in houses allow visitors to
experience authentic farms and the specialist museums
introduce them to specific themes. The diverse museum
exhibitions show the local way of life and the history of the
towns’ peasant and cultural history.
Local museums with their museum buildings, collections and
exhibitions are part of our shared cultural heritage. They provide
visitors with experiences and information. The museum buildings
themselves are culturally and historically valuable. The
museums describe local history and thus contribute greatly
when a local identity is being created and in boosting local spirit.
Together, the local museums lay the foundation for the cultural
identity of Southern Savo and provide the building blocks
necessary for the region’s image.