The Land of Forestfulness
In Finland, the forest is present everywhere. It is our most important and diverse natural environment and resource. Here, the forest has always had a strong impact on people, communities and society – and we, in turn, on the forest. The forest has been simultaneously a lifeblood, an important place and a shared mental landscape. Forest culture consists of shared perceptions, meanings, practices, and ways related to the forest – multi-dimensional human-forest relationships. Forest culture lives on and evolves over time. It is precisely the change that makes it vibrant.
The Land of Forestfulness
The Land of Forestfulness sheds light on the forest and forest culture from six perspectives. Forest nature highlights the forest as a complex ecosystem that functions without people. Green gold examines the forest as a raw material reserve for humans. Lifeblood tells the story of the mental well-being and health that the forest provides to people, without forgetting its economic value or the well-being of the forests themselves. Forest folk describes the significance of the forest in shaping Finnishness and identity. Valued forest initiates a discussion on values. What does the forest mean to us and other species? Forest work reveals the forest-related work, forestry professions and forestry.
Special exhibition
The forest in miniature – Scale models of forestry from Lusto’s collections 21.1.–23.3.2025
A special exhibition showcasing miniature worlds of forestry and forest history opens at Lusto on January 21st, 2025, following a maintenance break.
The exhibition features over ten scale models from Lusto’s museum collections. Originally created for the museum’s previous permanent exhibition, these models illustrate the development of forest management from the early 20th century to the 21st century. They showcase the significant transformation of forest work, mechanisation, and unique experiments of the 1950s, such as a drag-line cable method. The exhibition also includes scale models demonstrating forestry practices in different seasons. The models were created by Malliakopio LP, a company from Mikkeli specialising in scale models.
Scale models are a traditional and proven way to illustrate and bring history to life in museum exhibitions. Typically, scale models depict changes in urban landscapes, significant events and buildings, or past ways of working and living. Scale models are often favourites of museum visitors, especially children. Their detail, three-dimensionality and liveliness are fascinating. The skill and expertise required to create scale models also inspire admiration.
The Forest in miniature exhibition features the following models: Decades of logging and Decades of the commercial forest, Seasons of the commercial forest and Drag-line cable method.
Guided tours
Our guided exhibition tours help you to immerse yourself in Lusto’s exhibitions and the fascinating world of forest stories.
Lusto events
Lusto events and work demonstrations explain man’s relationship with the forest and the environment to visitors. Events that focus on all things related to forests offer visitors interested in forest culture an opportunity to spend time together while learning new skills.