Glamour and Curtsy – Upstairs and Downstairs Life

Description

Visitors can explore life in the 1860s–1880s by walking through the halls in the roles of fictional characters such as a maid, steward, or aristocrat. In addition to the fictional characters, the exhibition highlights real-life stories, including that of Aurora Karamzin (1808–1902), the most famous resident of Villa Hakasalmi.

In the Central Uusimaa area, there are almost a hundred manors, which were hierarchical small communities. Similarly, Villa Hakasalmi has been structured into two worlds. Downstairs, the steward is doing bookkeeping, pots are simmering in the kitchen, and children play in the nursery. Upstairs, visitors can admire the aristocracy's splendid clothing and a formal dinner set with tableware from Stansvik Manor. The bed in the master bedroom is inherited from the Linder family of Kytäjä Manor. The exhibition also tells the tragic story of Natalia Stjernschantz (1831–58) of Tuomarinkylä Manor and extensively showcases manors in the Helsinki region.

The “Glamour and Curtsy – Upstairs and Downstairs Life” exhibition and events have been organised in collaboration with the museums of Central Uusimaa. The exhibition has been designed by producer Susanna Eskola, exhibition architect Tarja Kunttunen, graphic designer Tuija Kuusela, illustrator Hanna Lahti, and scriptwriter Anna Finnilä.

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Glamour and Curtsy – Upstairs and Downstairs Life
25 October 2024–31 August 2025 
Villa Hakasalmi 
Mannerheimintie 13b
Admission fee €16/11, free for under 7 year-olds, with Museum Card and for under 20-year-old residents with the Helsinki Youth Services membership card