Exhibitions
The permanent exhibition of the Kindergarten Museum, Folk kindergarten – Helsinginkatu 3-5, was completed in 2009.
The exhibition presents the history of kindergarten work without forgetting the present moment.
The exhibition begins on the first floor of the Ebeneser house, where in addition to the old summer and winter yard games, you can also learn more about the history of the Sörnäinen area. The exhibition continues on the third floor of the building, where one can explre the history of kindergarten work through play, work education, craftsmanship, pedagogy and architecture. In the exhibition, it is also possible to learn about the early stages of kindergarten teacher education in Finland and the life of Hanna Rothman and Elisabeth Alander, the mothers of Finnish kindergarten work, in the early 20th century. The exhibition is engaging and suitable for especially child audiences.
Changing exhibitions:
The Kindergarten Museum 25 years (1.9.2023 - 18.6.2025)
The Kindergarten Museum, maintained by the Ebeneser Foundation, was established in 1998. The exhibition celebrating the museum's 25th anniversary presents the factors that influenced the creation of the Kindergarten Museum, the first exhibitions, museum pedagogical ideas, object, library and photo collections, as well as contemporary documentation.
Past changing exhibitions:
Song for the place of honor (1.4.2022 - 30.6.2023)
”The song should get a place of honor in kindergarten. It can and should be a close part of both work and play. Singing, better than anything else, reveals the joys and hobbies of childhood. If you would like to make something dear and understandable to a child, then teach them a song about it.” Elisabeth Alander's note from around 1919–22
Focusing on the history of music pedagogy in a kindergarten environment, the exhibition describes the perceived meanings of music and especially singing as part of educational activities from the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century.
Wivi park (1.4. - 31.12.2022)
The Wivi park exhibition presents the process and results of the communal Wivi park project. At the exhibition, audience - both young and old - can participate in the design of the yard of the Ebeneser house and linger to think about dreamy outdoor spaces while working with sensory activities!
Blocks of opportunity (8.9.2020 - 22.12.2021)
The simple shapes of the blocks contain countless possibilities for action, creativity, and new realizations. Shapes, three-dimensional objects, inspire and attract a user to act and construct regardless of age. Blocks that enchant with their clarity and create an experience of success.
The Blocks of opportunity -exhibition arose from a desire to present various possible variations with the blocks, which Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) created as part of the work materials he developed to support the educational philosophy and pedagogical activity. The exhibition focuses on perhaps the most famous of Froebel's materials, blocks and their use in pedagogical activities.
Ship, sun and ladybug - a sign determining own space (29.8.2018 - 31.12.2019)
"This cat is mine!" a child exclaimed in a daycare hall as he presented his locker. The next locker had a picture of a red car and a yellow flower on the other side. The same signs were found in a group space in children’s chairs, towel hooks on a toilet, and their beds when going on a nap.
How is the children's personal space defined in a place where space is primarily shared? The exhibition presents the history of children’s signs in kindergartens and early childhood education centers.
Play feels good (18.10. - 22.11.2017)
The engaging changing exhibition presents the Kindergarten Museum's Child's Voice -project (2016-2017), which aimed to bring forward the voice of a child in the 2010s and document it for future generations to hear. The video compiled from the project can be seen in the exhibition space together with the Päärynälähde -animation made in cooperation with the children.
125 years of makers of the future of Finland (18.10. - 20.12.2017)
What does the 125-year history of kindergarten teacher education look? You can learn more about the educational themes from 1892 onwards through a small exhibition at the Kindergarten Museum. Additionally, a photo exhibition of education in the different decades is on display.