A New Geopark Centre, KIDE, Has Opened at the Kauhajoki Cultural Centre
A new Geopark Centre, KIDE, has opened at the Kauhajoki Cultural Centre. The centre serves as a gateway to exploring the Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark area, offering visitors insights into the history of the Earth, local nature, cultural heritage, and ITE (self-taught folk) art.
The KIDE Geopark Centre brings the story of our planet and the region’s natural heritage to life through three unique exhibitions.
Main Exhibition: From Mountains to Mires
Take an inspiring journey two billion years back in time. The exhibition reveals how ancient mountain ranges were gradually worn down into today’s gently rolling landscape and showcases the region’s exceptionally diverse and rich mire ecosystems.
Fascinating Stones – Mineral Exhibition
The Fascinating Stones mineral exhibition showcases a remarkable collection of more than 500 specimens assembled by geologist Jukka Konnunaho. The collection includes minerals, rocks, meteorites, and fossils from Finland and around the world.
Visitors can discover rare minerals, messages from outer space in the form of meteorites, and even genuine fossilised dinosaur eggs. The exhibition is a stunning display of colours and geological wonders, featuring rocks that are more than 3.5 billion years old.
The collection highlights the immense importance of minerals in our lives. They help us understand the Earth’s billions of years of history and form the foundation of human civilisation. Without these building blocks of rocks, we would not have tools, beautiful jewellery, homes, or even modern smartphones.
ITE from Nature: A Seamless Union of Nature and Creativity
The exhibition ITE from Nature: A Seamless Union of Nature and Creativity offers an introduction to Finnish contemporary folk art, known as ITE art. Created from natural and recycled materials, the imaginative works of ITE artists reflect a close connection to nature while telling stories of everyday life and lived experiences.
The relationship between Finnish contemporary folk art and nature is inseparable. Rooted in the tranquillity of rural communities and inspired by the freedom that space and nature provide, ITE artists are masters of creativity and resourcefulness. Long before recycling became a trend, they were already transforming materials from forests and discarded objects into unique works of art.
Typically self-taught, these artists create outside the boundaries of the formal art world, driven by a deep need for visual self-expression. Their works celebrate ingenuity, a strong bond with nature, and the stories of ordinary life, offering visitors a distinctive perspective on Finnish culture and creativity.
KIDE Geopark Centre is located at the Kauhajoki Cultural Centre.
Visitor address:
Prännärintie 21, FI-61800 Kauhajoki, Finland
Accessible entrance:
Eduskunnankatu 5, FI-61800 Kauhajoki, Finland
Opening Hours and Admission Fees – Summer 2026
The KIDE Geopark Centre opens for the summer season on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, and remains open until the end of August.
Opening hours:
Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00–17:00
Admission fees:
- Standard ticket: €6
- Reduced ticket: €4
- Children under 16: Free admission
Website
For more information, visit the KIDE Geopark Centre website:
KIDE Geopark Centre, Kauhajoki (in Finnish)
Opening hours and services for groups (in Finnish)
Article text: City of Kauhajoki
