The museum and the cultural- and seminar centre with its splendid wide area (about 80 hectares/197 acres and 13 buildings) is situated next to the prehistoric fortified hill of Vanhalinna.
In the 1950s the estate was donated by its former owners, Ester and Mauno Wanhalinna, to the University of Turku which guaranteed the fostering of traditional Finnish national culture and the support of the work of the University of Turku.

Since 1974 the ownership of the Vanhalinna estate was transferred to the "Turku University Foundation" and in 1998 to the "Lieto Vanhalinna Foundation", which was founded as a subsidiary to "Turku University Foundation". The development and support of the respected and valuable estate was ensured and is still carried on.

Apart from different exhibitions and cultural events the estate provides different kinds of premises and fittings for the organisation of meetings, seminars and festivities.