Paateri
Paateri
Paateri 21, 81560 Vuonisjärvi
Sculptor Eva Ryynänen’s home and her greatest creation: Paateri Church.
In Paateri, you can learn about the life and works of sculptor Eva Ryynänen. What makes Paateri unique is the strength of the artist’s distinctive style, which is evident not only in the sculptures themselves but throughout Paateri.
During the summer season, the admission ticket includes a guided tour, and what better way to cap off the tour than by indulging in fresh pastries and other café treats at the Galleria Café!
Outside the summer season, open only to groups (minimum 10 people) by reservation.
A Renowned Master of Woodcarving
Originally from Northern Savo, Eva became fascinated with carving various animals out of wood — such as birds, cats, and horses — even as a child. She was accepted to study at the Ateneum in 1934 with her striking sculpture The Brothers on Hiidenkivi.
She married farmer Paavo Ryynänen in 1944, and they settled in Paateri, where she created a phenomenal 500 sculptures over the years. You can admire them not only at the artist’s home and studio but also over a hot cup of coffee at the Paateri gallery café.
The main celebration of Eva and Paavo’s anniversary year will be held on June 13–14, 2026
This year, Paateri is celebrating a double anniversary! It has been 80 years since Eva Ryynänen and her husband Paavo moved to the landscapes of Paavo’s childhood. Fifty years ago, in 1976, Eva Ryynänen opened the doors of her studio to tourists, and Paateri developed into one of Lieksa’s most famous tourist destinations.
In honor of this anniversary year, the City of Lieksa and the Pielinen Museum want to celebrate Eva and Paavo’s Day for an entire weekend on June 13–14, and on Eva’s birthday, June 15, admission to the artist’s home is free.
Celebrations will take place throughout the year in the form of various themed talks, musical performances, guided tours, and workshops for children. The celebratory weekend is organized in collaboration with the entrepreneurs of the Juurten aika café in Paateri.
The celebratory weekend reinforces the city of Lieksa’s central role in carrying on Eva Ryynänen’s legacy, together with the Pielinen Museum and local partners.
