MA Henna Paunu has been appointed as the new Museum Director of the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova (AVAN) museums. AVAN Foundation was looking for a visionary museum director to steer the museum complex that operates in a culturally and historically valuable environment into a new strategic period. The search for new director was carried out as a combination of open and direct recruitment. Paunu’s previous role is Chief Curator at EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art.

“Henna Paunu’s vision for the future of our museums and her impressive track record of innovative and impactful work convinced the selection committee and the board of the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Foundation. AVAN is already one of the most visited museums in Turku. Under Henna’s leadership, we are in an excellent position to further increase the impact of our museums”, says Ari Valkki, the CEO and board member of the foundation.

“It is very inspiring to have the opportunity to develop Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, a truly unique museum that has every potential to become a destination greater than its size. Together with the museum professionals, we will boost the museum’s international visibility and invest in contemporary content that connects different generations. The goal is to provide a memorable museum experience. The historical layers and the central location of the museum offer an excellent opportunity for this”, Henna Paunu envisions.

Henna Paunu has held specialist, management and head positions in museum operations, art and curation at institutions including the Rauma Art Museum, Kunsthalle Helsinki and EMMA, where she has been responsible especially for the museum’s extensive collections and collection exhibitions, as well as raising the profile of public art in Espoo. In 2002–2014, Paunu served as curator of the Rauma Biennale Balticum exhibitions. In addition, she has held positions of trust, including member and chair of the Board of Directors of Frame Contemporary Art Finland in 2015–2021. Paunu holds a Master of Arts degree in Art History and has completed a museum management degree administered by the Finnish Museum Association and Management Institute of Finland.

Paunu will take up her new position as Museum Director on January 15, 2026. She will succeed Hannele Lehtonen, who is transferring to the Turku City Museum. Lehtonen will serve as AVAN’s Museum Director until the end of 2025.

Aboa Vetus Ars Nova is a museum complex maintained by a foundation group that began operating in 1995. The museum combines experiences of archaeology and contemporary art – highlighting the continuity of history and the power of innovative thinking in the heart of Turku.

More information:

Ari Valkki +358 40 0770937

Henna Paunu +358 43 8246354

Photo: EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art / Paula Virta