In the atmospheric Lebell Merchant House, visitors can explore stylistic interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries, which are an important part of Kristinestad’s history. Original details are preserved in the house, providing the museum with an authentic atmosphere along with furniture, utensils, and decorations.

Located in Kristinestad’s unique wooden house environment is the Lebell Merchant House, showcasing how a merchant family lived over 200 years ago in this maritime town. The house is surrounded by outbuildings, one of which is one of the few preserved salt storehouses from the heyday of maritime trade.

The first merchant house was built in the 1720s by Casper Lebell, originally from Poland and a freed prisoner of war, who was granted permission to trade in the city. The family’s reputation and wealth grew with his son, Casper Lebell Jr., who became a trusted citizen. He amassed a fortune by exporting tar and timber and importing salt. He built the current house in 1762. Three generations of Lebells and two generations of the Holmström family, through marriage, lived in the house until it passed into other hands. The Lebell Merchant House has served as a museum since 1939.

The museum’s rarity lies in its tasteful and beautiful interiors from the 1760s to the 1840s. As you wander through the rooms, you can see how the different eras that succeeded each other also found a place in a small coastal town like Kristinestad, which had many outward connections. For example, the large bathtub sofa in the main hall was owned by Gustaf IV Adolf in 1802, and when the Russian Tsar Alexander I was received in the city in 1819, he also sat on the same sofa—though in a different house.

The grand baroque hall on the upper floor with original ceiling paintings and woven dust wallpapers is unique in Finland. The woven wallpapers have different patterns, and the green tile stove in the hall is one of the oldest preserved in Finland. The Rococo style is represented by a chamber called the Lebell Chamber, and there is also a chamber in Gustavian style, one in Empire style, and one in Biedermeier style.

Inlaid cabinets, wig stands, tea tables, a leather-clad chest, Dutch tiles, Empire furniture, hand-painted wallpapers, and other fascinating items create a unique atmosphere in the museum. One of the oldest items in the museum is a small ebony cabinet from the 1670s. Some of the items likely belonged to the Lebell and Holmström families, but a large portion of the items dates from the late 18th century to the first half of the 19th century and belonged to merchant and shipowner families from the region.

During the summer, events such as 18th-century evenings like Bellman’s visit to Kristinestad, troubadour nights, and plays are organized. Themed exhibitions, such as photography exhibitions, are held approximately every other year. The museum area also includes the Felénska House from 1841, where special exhibitions and events can be organized.

The Felenska House from 1841 is also part of the museum area. In this building, events such as 18th-century evenings, such as Bellman’s visit to the city, troubadour nights, themed exhibitions, including old photographs, and city plans are organized. The Felenska House operates a café during the summer. Catering at other times is available by arrangement. The house can be rented for private events.