HELSINKI.- The Sinebrychoff Art Museum is welcoming Christmas in the traditional way. The Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff House Museum is arrayed in festive attire, the Christmas trees have been decorated, and the finest porcelain is laid out on the tables awaiting guests. Besides the festive spreads, on Christmas-season Saturdays, you can enjoy dramatic scenes acted out by our guides.

“The drama guides bring the museum to life and give visitors an immersive experience. The drama provides a glimpse into Paul and Fanny’s lives,” says the Museum Director Kirsi Eskelinen.

On Saturdays, in the House Museum you can meet Paul, Fanny and housekeeper Alma. They are getting ready for Christmas, each making their own preparations, while at the same time entertaining museum visitors. The drama guides enliven the museum with short dramatic scenes and chat with the public. In the role of Fanny Sinebrychoff is Riitta Ojamaa, Paul Sinebrychoff is played by Antti Solin, and housekeeper Alma by Emmi Halmesvirta.

Christmas table

In the 19th century, lavish festive table settings became common in the homes of the gentry, and now they can be admired in the House Museum. The tableware for the celebratory settings has been taken out of the cupboards once again, the silverware polished, and the tablecloths run through the mangle and starched. The Christmas holiday spreads are in the style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This year, the table settings are complemented by a donated samovar, which means that, in addition to the confectionery table, the Empire Room also features a new tea setting. The coffee table is laid out in the Gustavian Room, with Christmas dinner itself on show in the Dining Room. The Yuletide table settings have been designed together with the Friends of the Sinebrychoff Art Museum. You can hear the details on the Christmas table tours, which are available in Finnish and Swedish. You can book Christmas-themed guided tours of the House Museum for your own group.

On display for the first time in Paul Sinebrychoff’s study in the House Museum is a painting donated this year by the Friends of the Sinebrychoff Art Museum for the Museum’s collection: Still Life with Flowers and a Mouse (c. 1640–1660). The painter is unknown. In it a lucky mouse is savouring grains of wheat in front of a beautiful flower arrangement.

In the House Museum you can enjoy the nostalgic Christmas mood and admire the style furniture, rare objects, and the extensive art collection amassed by Fanny and Paul Sinebrychoff, with an emphasis on old European art. The museum shop also has lovely gifts and decorations for your own Christmas revels. Entrance to the House Museum is free of charge.