Simola Local Heritage House

Simola Local Heritage House was completed in 1860 and was designated as a protected building in the 1988 local plan. In the confirmed regional plan of 2009, it is also recognized as a regionally valuable built cultural environment. The Simola yard area features an open hillside setting, considered one of the finest in Central Finland.

In addition to the main building, the yard includes two storage granaries, a sauna, a woodshed, and a later-built kota (a traditional hut). Simola is a well-preserved example of the Empire style, a neoclassical architectural style that originated in early 19th-century France and drew inspiration from Greco-Roman antiquity. Characteristic features include a hipped roof, wide horizontal wooden paneling, pilasters, and arched windows.

Inside, stencil paintings on the ceilings and walls have been restored as student work by the Jyväskylä Vocational Institute. Original paintings can be viewed in two rooms under glass display cases and are also featured in the association’s logo. Simola houses approximately 2,000 museum objects and an extensive local heritage archive, which has been supplemented with historical items from the former municipality of Leivonmäki. Simola is open during various events and can also be rented as a venue for celebrations.