With you abroad – The Finnish Seamen’s Mission 150th Anniversary Exhibitions

The 150th anniversary exhibitions of the Finnish Seamen’s Mission, With you abroad, will open at several maritime museums during summer 2025. The exhibitions present the history and current work of the Mission, founded in 1875, at sea and in ports. Welcome to explore the exhibitions!

The first With you abroad exhibition opens at the Vaasa Maritime Museum, where it will be visible to the public from 2 June to 31 August 2025. It highlights the history and present-day work of the Finnish Seamen’s Mission both at sea and in harbours.

The exhibition features photographs and stories from the Seamen's Mission’s work in Finland and abroad. The Vaasa edition focuses especially on Vaasa, Kokkola, and the surrounding areas. In other locations, the content has been adapted to reflect the local history of the Seamen’s Mission in each port.

Museum Events in Several Locations

The With you abroad exhibitions are part of the Finnish Seamen’s Mission’s 150th anniversary celebrations. They have been created in cooperation with local maritime museums and the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation. The exhibitions will be on display at the following locations: Vaasa Maritime Museum (2 June – 31 August 2025), Maritime Centre Vellamo/Kymenlaakso Museum, Kotka (4 June 2025 – 30 April 2026), Forum Marinum, Turku (outdoor event by the Suomen Joutsen on 14 June at 12:30), Rauma Maritime Museum (4 July – 31 August 2025) and Vuosaari Seamen’s Mission, Helsinki (14 August – 31 December 2025). 

In July, a virtual exhibition will be launched, making the full With you abroad exhibition accessible online. It opens on 4 July through the Majakka platform of the Rauma Maritime Museum, at the same time as the local exhibition opening in Rauma.

Ship Theatre and SatamaFest

The anniversary also includes a summer tour by the Suukko Ship Theatre, visiting ports along the Gulf of Bothnia. During each stop, a free SatamaFest will take place at the harbor, and ships will be open to visitors.

The With you abroad sailing exhibition will be displayed onboard during the festivals. The play Seafarer’s Diary will be performed aboard the Suukko Ship Theatre (tickets required for theatre performances).

Floating exhibition tour dates  of M/S Suukko II are Kaskinen (14–16 June), Vaasa (28–29 June), Kokkola (5–6 July), Raahe (11–12 July), Oulu (26–27 July) and Pori (27–28 September). 

Stunning Historical Photography

The With you abroad exhibitions are built around stunning historical photographs that hold significant value in documenting the history of the Finnish Seamen’s Mission and Finnish migration. In addition, the exhibitions present modern photos and videos highlighting the Mission’s impactful social work today in over 40 countries.

More information about the exhibitions and other events of the Finnish Seamen’s Mission’s 150th anniversary can be found on our website. Welcome!