Kiti Samulin made a copy of Aira Samulin’s famous Bulevard apartment in the white building at Hyrsylä bend. It is now known as Aira’s home museum.
For thirteen years, those who moved around the inner city of Helsinki could peek in through the huge windows and catch a glimpse of the dance teacher Aira Samulinin home while walking on the Boulevard. When Aira died on October 23, 2023, the street was filled with candles and memorial messages.
– The apartment was empty for a long time. At the end of last year, I received an e-mail from people who have traveled there all the time by trolley to work, that yes Bulevardi is colorless and gray without grandma’s boards and other spots of color, Aira’s granddaughter Kiti Samulin tells Iltalehte a year later.
Aira’s home museum operates in the white side building of Hyrsylä bend. Pictured is Kiti Samulin. Pete Anikari
Kiti Samulin is currently responsible for the operation of Hyrsylä bend. Pete Anikari
New people live in the apartment now. The change has not gone unnoticed by the people of Helsinki.
– Aira had a wonderful time Mine Äkkijyrkän colorful cow paintings and always lights and TV on. Someone once asked if that Aira ever sleeps, Kiti laughs.
Kiti Samulin brought her grandma Aira’s things from Helsinki to Hyrsylä in Lohja. Pete Anikari
The side building in Hyrsylä bend has been built as a barrier-free retirement home. Pete Anikari
Aira moved to her rental triangle on Bulevard in 2010. Kiti denies the rumors that the rental apartment was about “the plight of an old person”.
– Aira never owned an apartment. He lived in Helsinki and Espoo always on rent. Hyrsylä’s bend is the only house he has paid for. It was such an investment that they won’t take any more million kamps from Bulevard for it, says Kiti.
This is what Aira’s office looks like in the corner of Hyrsylä. Pete Anikari
This is what the same table looked like on Boulevard. Pete Anikari
When Aira died, Kiti frantically set about making practical arrangements. Kiti was responsible for packing the apartment and the funeral arrangements. Kiti did her grief work through the activity.
Aira’s entire Boulevard property found its new location at Hyrsylä bend in Lohja – nothing had to be thrown away. The side building in the yard happened to be exactly the same size as the Helsinki apartment.
The phone and keys rest on the table, as if Aira had just thrown them there herself. Pete Anikari
This is what Aira’s Bulevard bedroom looks like when moved to Hyrsylä. Pete Anikari
So Kiti made an almost perfect copy of her grandmother’s city home in the countryside. Recognitions and awards decorate the walls. The keys and glasses rest on the table, as if Aira had just thrown them there.
– I can imagine how sad and difficult it is to clean up after death, if you have to throw away some of it or give it away or sell it. Fortunately, I had a house where I could put everything. I feel privileged. I can always go to grandma’s village. This is special, Kiti sighs.
There are plenty of different recognitions and certificates of honor on the walls. Pete Anikari
Aira’s golden title chair, also known from the Dancing with the Stars program, has found its place in Hyrsylä’s bend. Pete Anikari
Hyrsylä bend is a place to visit, and Aira’s home museum is also open to the public. The upper floor of the main house and Aira’s bedroom have also been opened to the public.
Iltalehti visited Boulevard in 2022, when Aira Samulin turned 95. Pete Anikari