Genelec loudspeakers give history a voice in Finland

Genelec loudspeakers give history a voice in Finland

Lahti Historical Museum is using Genelec technology to enhance its exhibitions and add sound to its displays

Situated in southern Finland, the Lahti Historical Museum houses 45,500 historical artefacts, including records of the area’s elderly population. While most museums rely on visual storytelling, Lahti has turned to Genelec to add sound to exhibits and immerse audiences.

The Lahti Historical Museum, housed within Lahti Manor, underwent a full loudspeaker installation led by Atea. The team was asked to add high-quality audio to the space to enhance the storytelling experience.

For this project, Smart IP models were used from the Genelec range. This technology was selected for its networking capabilities and for the range of colour options available. This versatility allowed the models to blend seamlessly into the museum’s decor.

Across the six rooms in the manor house, 55 compact 4420A loudspeakers and three powerful 4435A in-ceiling models were used.

"Using Smart IP technology in historic buildings like this one saves us a lot of headaches,” Pirkka Kosola, solutions manager at Atea, clarified. “All of these loudspeakers use PoE, meaning we can have audio, power and control, all delivered over a single cable, which simplifies installation enormously.”

Lahti Manor has been voted the most beautiful building in Lahti

The team was able to control the loudspeakers independently, meaning audio could be tailored for each space. Commenting on this adaptation, Kosola explained, “The result is evenly distributed sound that allows visitors to experience audio elements that feel organic to the space, rather than intrusive or artificial.”

Beyond its role in enhancing the visitor experience, the partnership between the Lahti Historical Museum and Genelec represents a broader commitment to Finnish innovation. This collaborative approach sets a precedent for the future of museums worldwide.

“This installation serves as a good example of how educational facilities can embrace modern technology without compromising authenticity," said Kosola. “Exhibitions are designed to allow visitors to experience history by listening, instead of just passively observing artefacts.”

For more information, visit genelec.com