aventuro Back to map A
Museums #20 in Tampere

Police Museum

4.4 · 1,104 reviews
Informative and pedagogical.
Police Museum, Vaajakatu 2, 33720 Tampere, Finland
Interesting facts
1

The museum is physically integrated into the Finnish Police University College campus.

2

The collection includes a 'Pokela' police station specifically designed for children to role-play as officers.

3

It preserves rare historical archives covering the evolution of law enforcement in Finland since the autonomous period.

4

The museum showcases the development of Finnish police technology, including early forensic photography and crime scene investigation tools.

5

Exhibitions cover the darker aspects of law enforcement, including notable criminal trials and historical periods of civil unrest.

6

The museum serves as an official national repository for Finnish police-related cultural heritage.

Overview

The Police Museum in Tampere is the only national museum in Finland dedicated to the history and operations of the Finnish police. Located on the campus of the Police University College, it provides a comprehensive look at law enforcement spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The permanent exhibition details the evolution of police equipment, investigative methods, and the historical development of the institution. A significant portion of the museum is tailored for children, featuring the 'Pokela' police station play area. Visitors can explore historical uniforms, forensic technology, and archives documenting major criminal cases. The site also functions as a research center for police heritage in Finland. Exhibits frequently rotate to highlight specialized topics such as criminalistics, traffic control, and police dog history.

Photo spot

Beside the vintage police patrol vehicles on display in the main hall.

Insider tips

Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibitions before visiting, as they frequently change.

Plan your visit to coincide with weekdays, as the museum often closes on weekends.

Allow extra time if visiting with children, as the interactive play areas are extensive.

What to avoid

Do not mistake this for a city museum; it is a specialized national institution located outside the immediate downtown urban core.

Good to know

Generally closed on weekends and public holidays; check the website for specific seasonal closures.

Etiquette

Standard museum etiquette applies; please refrain from touching historical artifacts unless specifically marked as interactive.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, as it is generally less crowded than late afternoons.
Address
Police Museum, Vaajakatu 2, 33720 Tampere, Finland
61.453, 23.852
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsHistorical uniforms, criminalistics laboratory tools, and the Pokela children's police station

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as it is generally less crowded than late afternoons..

Beside the vintage police patrol vehicles on display in the main hall.

Close by you'll find Ahvenispuisto dog park, Suolijärvi Recreational Area, Hervannan Kirkko.