Discover Sipoo: Churches, Art and History

Discover Sipoo through its diverse cultural and historical heritage: medieval church paintings, neo-Gothic brick architecture, museums and public art. In Nikkilä, the history of a former hospital adds another layer, while old buildings in Gesterby illustrate what life in Sipoo used to be like.

Sipoo: five quick facts

• Sipoo Old Church dates from the mid-15th century and preserves wall and vault paintings.
• The New Church is a neo-Gothic red-brick building designed by Theodor Decker.
• The Agricultural Museum displays historic tools and vehicles.
• Several old buildings in Gesterby illustrate what life in Sipoo used to be like.
• The mural on Arava House in Nikkilä was completed in 2017.

Two churches, different eras

Sipoo Old Church, also known as St Sigfrid’s Church, was built in the mid-15th century. It preserves wall and vault paintings from the 15th century. The paintings were made using earth pigments and charcoal—specific details that draw attention to the artistic decoration of the church interior. Taken together, the construction date, the location of the paintings and the materials used offer a vivid picture of this historic church.

Sipoo New Church makes a different architectural statement: it is neo-Gothic, built of red brick and designed by Theodor Decker. It was consecrated in 1885 and is used by Sipoo’s Finnish- and Swedish-speaking congregations. In contrast to the Old Church, the emphasis here is on its neo-Gothic form and brick construction, while the wall and vault paintings stand out in the older church. Visits to the New Church are possible by prior appointment only; this information was checked in September 2026.

Museums exploring working life and local history

The Agricultural Museum is housed in an old granary right next to Sipoo New Church. It displays historic tools and vehicles. The setting and collection offer different points of interest: the granary shapes the museum building, while the objects on display bring its agricultural focus to life.

Sibbesgården Local Museum is in Gesterby, one of Sipoo’s oldest villages. Its grounds include several old buildings that illustrate what life in Sipoo used to be like. Together with the Agricultural Museum, it offers a useful comparison: tools and vehicles take centre stage at the latter, while several historic buildings here convey a picture of everyday life in the past. The two museums therefore explore local history through different things—collection objects at one, old buildings at the other.

Nikkilä: hospital history and public art

The former hospital grounds in Nikkilä are now a residential area, where visitors can walk among Art Nouveau buildings. The hospital closed in 1999. Visitors to the area should leave their vehicle in a public parking lot outside the grounds and enter on foot. Avoid private yards, and do not enter the buildings. These guidelines are part of planning a visit, along with taking in the historic architecture.

The institutional history of Nikkilä Mental Hospital is also notable: it was the first hospital to employ a gymnastics instructor and establish art therapy groups. The former hospital’s art collection comprises more than 10,000 works and belongs to the City of Helsinki. These facts add two more dimensions to the history of the site—the development of hospital work and an extensive art collection.

Nikkilä has another distinctive artistic feature: Rustam QBic’s mural on Arava House. It extends around the entire building and was completed in September 2017 as part of the UPEA17 art event. Nikkilä is also home to several public artworks that are open to everyone and free to access. The cultural offering here ranges from a single large-scale mural to other freely accessible works.

Sibbesborg and the medieval era

The Sibbesborg fortress once stood on the island of Storängsholmen in the Sipoo estuary. It was in use briefly in the late 14th century, during the reign of King Albert of Mecklenburg of Sweden. This historical context complements the churches’ construction history: Sibbesborg belongs to the late 14th century, the Old Church to the mid-15th century and the New Church to the 19th century. Sipoo’s cultural landscape thus brings together different historical periods without needing to merge them into a single story.

Use your cultural interests to guide your hotel search

When looking for hotels in Sipoo, first consider which cultural themes you would like to shape your stay. Church architecture and paintings, historic collections and village buildings, as well as public art and hospital history, offer different areas of focus. If you plan to visit the New Church, remember that visits must be arranged in advance.

Discover more destinations: Hermala, Rajamäki, Savijoki, Klaukkala, Espoo, Mäntsälä, Järvenpää and Sammatti.

Frequently asked questions about Sipoo

What is the difference between the Old Church and the New Church?

The Old Church, also known as St Sigfrid’s Church, dates from the mid-15th century and preserves wall and vault paintings made with earth pigments and charcoal. The New Church is a neo-Gothic brick building designed by Theodor Decker. It was consecrated in 1885 and is used by the Finnish- and Swedish-speaking congregations.

Can you visit the New Church without an appointment?

No. As of September 2026, visits are possible by prior appointment only.

What can you see at Sipoo’s museums?

The Agricultural Museum displays historic tools and vehicles. It is housed in an old granary right next to the New Church. Sibbesgården in Gesterby includes several old buildings that illustrate what life in Sipoo used to be like.

What should you know before visiting the former hospital grounds in Nikkilä?

The area is residential, and visitors can walk among the Art Nouveau buildings. Leave your vehicle in a public parking lot outside the area, enter on foot, avoid private yards and do not enter any buildings.

When was the mural on Arava House created?

Rustam QBic created the mural around the entire Arava House in Nikkilä. It was completed in September 2017 as part of the UPEA17 art event.

For the main travel overview: Uusimaa.