The Finnish Orthodox Church Museum Riisa

The Finnish Orthodox Church Museum Riisa was founded in 1957 and has been located in Kuopio throughout its existence. Its exhibits consist mainly of objects rescued from the parts of Finland ceded to the Soviet Union as an outcome of the World War II: principally icons, sacramental vessels, rare books, archives and a large collection of photographs.
The Finnish name Riisa refers to the riza, an ornate protective metal cover provided for many icons in the Russian tradition.

The permanent exhibition tells of the history of the three monasteries and one convent that were left behind in the ceded areas and records details of the war years and the evacuation process through the medium of personal recollections and photographs. The museum also has spaces for seasonal exhibitions, mainly of contemporary art linked to the Orthodoxy.

The museum shop offers local handicrafts and a comprehensive selection of products related to the Orthodox lifestyle.