Meet the Old Gentleman - World's Oldest Diving Suit

Discover the remarkable story of the world's oldest surviving diving suit and explore the history of one of Finland's most fascinating coastal towns.

This guided museum experience takes place at the Crown Granary Museum in Old Raahe, where visitors journey through centuries of local history, from prehistoric settlements and mysterious stone structures to the town's rise as an international centre of maritime trade during the age of sail.

The highlight of the visit is the opportunity to meet The Old Gentleman (Wanha Herra), the world's oldest surviving diving suit. Made from leather in the eighteenth century, this extraordinary invention represents a unique chapter in the history of diving technology and maritime innovation.

During the guided visit, guests learn how the diving suit was constructed, how it was used beneath the water and why it remains one of the most remarkable artefacts in Finnish museum collections. The guide shares the fascinating story of Captain Johan Leufstadius, who donated the suit to the museum in the nineteenth century, as well as the mysteries that still surround its origins.

Beyond the diving suit, the museum's exhibitions introduce visitors to the people, industries and maritime traditions that shaped life on Finland's northern coast. Together, the collections tell the story of a town whose fortunes were closely connected to the sea.

The experience offers an engaging introduction to the history, innovation and maritime heritage of Old Raahe.

Highlights

• Guided visit to the Crown Granary Museum

• Meet the world's oldest surviving diving suit

• Discover the story of The Old Gentleman (Wanha Herra)

• Learn about eighteenth-century diving technology

• Explore the history of Old Raahe from prehistory to modern times

• Maritime heritage and sailing ship era stories

Included

• Guided museum tour

• Admission to the Crown Granary Museum

• Introduction to The Old Gentleman diving suit

• Heritage interpretation and storytelling

Duration

Approximately 1 hour

Group Size

Minimum 5 guests
Maximum 20 guests

Availability

Available year-round by reservation.

Suitable For

• Cultural travellers

• Maritime heritage enthusiasts

• Museum visitors

• Educational groups

• Tour operators

• Families and adult groups

Location

Crown Granary Museum (Kruununmakasiinimuseo), Merikatu 10, 92100 Raahe, Finland