Paper short abstract:

In this paper we discuss the transformation of intertwined place and community at Tuorla Observatory, Finland. The site is launched to become a science centre, touristic arena. There has been documented oral history, the everyday objects and the historical equipments of the observatory.

Paper long abstract:

Tuorla Observatory (1950-2018) was a well-known astronomical and geodetic research centre of the University of Turku in Piikkiö, Finland. It used to be a close community of researchers and students until the department was relocated to the campus area in Turku.

In the autumn 2018 most of the researchers have left from Tuorla but the buildings, including the telescopes and observatories are still in situ. The place has started its transformation into a public science centre for students, school children and family activities. All faculties in the University of Turku will be represented at the centre. The main idea is to offer products that are using pedagogy of learning through experiences. For example workshops, courses, meetings, conferences, class trips and camp schools are arranged at the premises. Tuorla is changing from scientific research place to touristic and educational arena.

In this paper we will discuss the transformation process in the context of empathetic and confidential heritage work. The oral history and the knowledge of the old scientific equipment and buildings have been under the documentation process. The heritage work made by ethnologists has softened the tensions of the transition providing the possibilities to remember and point out the meaningful places and material remains. Our ethnological gaze is directed to this transformation processes from the perspectives of heritage and identities. How community has processed the transformation? What will happen to the heritage of the observatory in becoming a science centre?