Virolahti Municipal Council to decide on Monday whether to close the Bunker Museum

In Virolahti, a decision is made on the Bunker Museum. Perhaps the activities could be continued with the help of a support association.

Virolahti will decide on the fate of the Bunker Museum on Monday at the Municipal Council.

The proposal to close the museum is part of the municipality’s major austerity measures. If the proposal goes through, the museum would continue to be run by the municipality this summer, but would cease at the end of the year.

However, he hopes that the museum’s activities could continue, for example through a support association.

– The association base would also open new financial channels that are not open to the municipality, says Heinänen.

According to Mayor Topi Heinänen, the personnel costs of the Bunker Museum alone have been EUR 68,000 per year. In addition, there are other expenses.

Relevant for tourism

The Bunker Museum has introduced the history of the Finnish Salpalinja. It has also been an important part of Virolahti tourism.

– If the Bunker Museum does not continue, it is negative for tourism. However, we have a vision that we will continue to operate so that the municipal funding is not as big, says Heinänen.

The Green Belt Center, built a few years ago, also houses the Bunker Museum.

– The goal is to continue its operations with a new operating model, says Heinänen.