Pehr Evind Svinhufvud lived at Kotkaniemi from 1908 until his death in 1944.
The property is nicknamed 'the house of independence' due to Svinhufvud's pivotal role in the early years of the Finnish state.
The extensive 2018 renovation utilized original paint samples and wallpaper scraps found during research to restore the rooms to their authentic historic state.
The estate grounds include a traditional stone cellar and a historic sauna building.
The interior contains an original library that remains arranged according to the President's personal records.
Kotkaniemi was one of the first sites in Finland to be declared a protected historical building in the 1960s.
Kotkaniemi is the historic former home of Pehr Evind Svinhufvud, the third President of Finland, located in Luumäki. The main building, dating back to 1898, underwent a major restoration completed in 2018 to return the interiors to their 1920s appearance. It functions as a house museum documenting the life and political career of Svinhufvud, known as 'Ukko-Pekka'. The site includes a surrounding parkland area and outbuildings preserved to illustrate life in a Finnish manor house during the early 20th century. Exhibitions display original furniture, family belongings, and materials concerning the struggle for Finnish independence. The grounds feature a preserved garden layout and historical structures reflecting late 19th-century Finnish architecture. It operates as a cultural site managed by the Finnish Heritage Agency and the local municipality.
The lakeside view from the terrace of the main building, capturing the facade against the backdrop of the water.
Combine your museum visit with a walk through the surrounding nature trails and gardens.
Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions that often focus on regional history or textile art.
Utilize the on-site café which frequently serves traditional Finnish pastries and refreshments.
Do not overlook the smaller outbuildings, as many visitors miss these secondary exhibits while focusing only on the main manor house.
Closed during the winter season; open primarily from spring through early autumn.
Visitors are expected to refrain from touching the historic furniture and to maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor within the house.
