The Helsinki University Museum and its responsibility to preserve the heritage of university history

Abstract

The facilities at the University of Helsinki have undergone major changes during the past couple of decades. Several of its institutions have been relocated to newer and more efficient facilities in campus areas outside the city. The university buildings that were built in the centre of Helsinki in the 19th and 20th century have been renovated in order to accommodate the needs of new users. The University Museum has been documenting these changes. It has preserved the material heritage by rescuing research equipment found in attics and basements. But the museum has also been responsible for documenting the facilities before the original users left and the extensive renovation and restoration works were started. The photographic collection and the archive material of the Museum have been used during the renovation process in order to gather information about and determine the original appearance of the buildings. The Helsinki University Museum is turning into a veritable information centre of university history. It documents the material history and traditions of its own university, but also literature and photographic material pertaining to universities and students in general.