Sustainability

Sustainability is an integral part of our museums’ operations. We are constantly working to make our operations more environmentally sustainable and seeking solutions that promote the well-being of both nature and people. Tampere’s historical museums aim to be safe, equitable, and accessible destinations for everyone, while also preserving nature for future generations.

The Museum Centre Vapriikki`s first sustainability program was completed in 2018, and our work has been continuously developed since then. We joined the “Choose More Responsibly” service in 2021, and the EcoCompass initiative was launched at all Tampere historical museum sites in 2025.

Visitors can also contribute to sustainability, for example, by choosing plant-based and locally sourced food as well as sustainable modes of transportation. The museums are easily accessible by public transportation, and there are city bike stations in front of Vapriikki and the Amuri museum of Historic Housing. The Vapriikki´s restaurant always offers vegetarian food, locally sourced food, and organic products—ask the staff for more information.

EcoCompass

EcoCompass is an environmental management system owned by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and based on international standards. With its help, we have identified concrete and effective ways to operate more responsibly, such as reducing material waste and energy consumption, improving recycling, and prioritizing sustainably produced local food.

An urban meadow has been established in Vapriikki’s courtyard, and the species diversity in the museum’s immediate surroundings is monitored through research (Link to Lumu). Tampere’s historical museums received the EcoCompass certification in the spring of 2026. Thanks to this system, sustainable development is an integral part of our work, and we share its principles with our customers and stakeholders. Learn more about EcoCompass

The Environmental Commitment of Tampere Historical Museums

The Tampere Historical Museums are committed to considering the environmental impacts of their operations and to developing museum activities sustainably in all areas: exhibition and collection work, events, acquisitions, and the operations of the museum shop and restaurant. We continuously develop our practices and implement new sustainability measures each year.

We also encourage our visitors to practice sustainable consumption through communication and enhanced waste sorting. Waste generated at the museums is sorted, and as much of it as possible is directed toward reuse. In our procurement, we prioritize sustainable and domestic options, thereby also promoting our partners’ responsibility.

Our museum sites cherish the biodiversity of the surrounding environment. The Tampere Natural History Museum studies the local flora and fauna and their changes—approximately 570 species have been observed in the Vapriikki courtyard. The grounds feature multi-species meadows, insect hotels, and nesting boxes for birds and bats, and our plant selections prioritize native and pollinator-friendly species. The Natural History Museum’s exhibitions and events support environmental education.

Our sustainability work is long-term and open to new ideas—share yours with us!

Think Sustainably

The Think Sustainably guides users toward more sustainable tourism and cultural services. Participating organizations are committed to making choices that promote environmental well-being. The Museum Center Vapriikki has been part of the service since 2021 and meets 13 sustainability criteria.