Kuhmola – A Cultural Landmark in Kuhmoinen

Kuhmola is one of the landmark buildings in Kuhmoinen, serving as a cultural center. It is prominently located by the market square along Toritie, the main street in the center of Kuhmoinen. The building was constructed in 1930 to serve as a house for the local Civil Guard and Youth Association.

Kuhmola was commissioned by the Kuhmola Consortium, founded in 1929, which was jointly owned by the Kuhmoinen Youth Association, the Civil Guard, and the Lotta Svärd organization. The building was designed by the Helsinki-based architectural firm Tuovinen-

Huttunen and completed in 1930. Architecturally, it represents the classicism of the 1920s, with features such as a columned entrance, pilasters on the façade, and a prominent gable window. The lower part of the building is made of brick, while the upper part is constructed from timber.

One of the most striking and grand architectural choices was the construction of a steep hill in front of the building’s gable, leading up to the main doors located on the second floor. The ground floor was accessed via a double staircase. The upstairs banquet hall remains largely in its original condition, although in 1978 the main doors were relocated to the ground floor and the hill was removed. At the same time, the downstairs dining hall was expanded by removing the caretaker’s apartment.

In 1933, the Civil Guard and Lotta Svärd bought out the Youth Association’s share in Kuhmola due to financial difficulties. In the 1930s, the first sports field in Kuhmoinen’s village center was built on the grounds of Kuhmola. During World War II, Kuhmola was used for air surveillance operations. After the war, when the Civil Guard and Lotta Svärd organizations were disbanded, Kuhmola was returned to the Youth Association and renamed Seurala. In 1987, ownership of Kuhmola was transferred to the municipality of Kuhmoinen.

Films have been shown at Kuhmola since the 1930s. The imposing Bauer projector dates to 1938. Film screenings were part of the Youth Association’s activities, although there were long periods without regular showings.

In addition to film screenings, Kuhmola hosts services and events organized by local associations and the community college. It also serves as a venue for various celebrations. Private individuals can also rent Kuhmola for their own use.