Riisa – Orthodox Church Museum of Finland

Riisa – Orthodox Church Museum of Finland is a specialized museum of outstanding national, regional and global significance.

It was founded in Kuopio in 1957 and continues the traditions of the Museum of Antiquities established at the old Monastery of Valamo in Lake Ladoga in 1912.

The icons, liturgical vessels and textiles, and rare books and manuscripts that make up RIISA’s extensive collections range in age from the 16th century up to the present day, and its archives contain a wealth of historical documents, maps, building plans and photographs.

The word riisa refers to a metallic cover placed over an icon to protect and embellish it.