In the late 19th century, industrialist Pavel Sinebryukhov and his wife, Swedish actress Fanny Gran, began collecting masterpieces of world art so that the residents of Finland could enjoy the beautiful.

Today, visitors can access the second floor of the Sinebryukhov mansion, where this rich collection of paintings is stored, for free.

The Sinebryukhov family hails from Vladimir Province, and the dynasty was founded by Peter Sinebryukhov, who moved to Finland in the 18th century.

Peter had nine children: six sons and three daughters. His sons Nikolai and Pavel continued the family business in Finland.

In 1817, the eldest son, Nikolai Sinebryukhov, engaged in the construction of fortifications, with his enterprise working for the imperial army. That same year, he received exclusive rights to produce alcohol for five years, which were later extended until 1853. In 1819, he also obtained rights to brew beer.

Nikolai built a house with a garden near the brewery on the outskirts of Helsinki. He lived as a bachelor in his estate in Viapori and rarely visited the city house, completed in 1842. Nikolai died without heirs in 1848.

The younger brother Pavel lived in the house built by Nikolai and inherited the business. The house was managed by a housekeeper, the widow of Captain Tikhonov, who came from Turku with her daughter Anna.

The museum-mansion is very cozy, with friendly staff. You can sit on chairs and listen to a tour, although it is in Finnish.

Pavel Sinebryukhov the Elder developed the family business into a large company covering major sectors of the Finnish economy. Although he lost exclusive rights to produce alcohol, brewing remained the foundation of the business. After his death in 1883, his widow Anna successfully managed the affairs until 1904.

Pavel the Younger initially did not plan to participate in the family business. This right was passed to his elder brother Nikolai, who was appointed managing director of the company in 1878. Nikolai was a sociable person who loved hunting, boating, balls, and theaters.

However, Nikolai turned out to be an unsuccessful businessman and ceded his position to his younger brother Pavel, who, at 29, with his mother's permission, took over the management of the business and successfully developed it.

Like his father, Nikolai invested in stocks and bonds. By the early 20th century, the Sinebryukhov family had become the largest owner of the Bank of Finland (Yhdyspankki). In 1888, the company became a limited liability company.

When Pavel Sinebryukhov the Younger married actress Fanny Gran in October 1883, he handed over the management of the business to the managers. The young couple began collecting works of art to introduce the residents of Scandinavia to masterpieces.

Pavel Sinebryukhov the Younger died without heirs in 1917, and the brewery passed to his elder sister. It now belongs to the Danish Carlsberg.

The Sinebryukhovs began collecting masterpieces in the 1890s. In 1921, Fanny Sinebryukhova, according to her husband's will, transferred the collection of about 900 works of art to the Finnish government. The collection is housed in their family mansion, which now hosts the Sinebryukhov Art Museum in Helsinki.

The home of Pavel and Fanny has come to life decades later and awaits guests.