This handsome brick building was originally constructed as a state granary in 1852. It has since served numerous uses during its eventful history. In 2010, a large-scale renovation project began in which the old granary was converted into exhibition and collection space for the Raahe Museum. The Crown Granary Museum was opened to the public in October 2012.

At the beginning of the 1650s, the Swedish State established the crown granary system for storing tax-grain. In addition to storing grain, crown granaries also engaged in extensive grain and seed trade. Crown granaries were used in Finland until the early decades of the 20th century. Already in the 19th century, Raahe also had a wooden crown granary, which was demolished only in the late 1920s.

The new Crown Granary of 1852

The wooden crown granary was replaced by a brick building in 1852. The new Crown Granary was designed by the head of the State Intendant's office, architect Ernst Bernhard Lohrmann (1803–1870). In addition to Raahe, granary buildings designed by Lohrman can be found in e.g. Oulu, Hämeenlinna and Savonlinna. The first load of grain was delivered to the new granary on 25 October 1853. With a capacity of 12,000 barrels (1 barrel equals 165 litres), the Raahe granary served as storage for grain until 1910.

Years as a storage space

After 1910, the Raahe Crown Granary began to be used by the Civil Guard. After the Civil Guard was disbanded in 1944, the granary was transferred to the Defence Forces, and the building served as the main storage facility for the Raahe military district until 1993. The Town of Raahe rented the facilities and used it as a cold storage for the museum in 1995. Finally, the Town bought the granary from the Defence Forces in 2001 for 250,000 Finnish marks.

Exhibition space for the museum since 2012

In 2010, the Ministry of Education granted an appropriation for converting the Raahe Crown Granary into facilities for the museum of cultural history. Private donors from Raahe also contributed enthusiastically in the fundraising organised by the Raahe-seura ry association.

The opening ceremony of the Crown Granary Museum was held on 21 October 2012, the 150th anniversary of Raahe Museum. Raahe Museum would now have a new exhibition space under the same roof with much-needed and appropriate storage and working facilities.

The Crown Granary is open to the public all year round. Check the opening hours here.