Ancient DNA: A Key to the Past -exhibition transports visitors back in time, offering insights into the lives of ancient individuals through modern research methods. Ancient DNA can trace interbreeding between early human species, such as Neanderthals and modern humans, and study population changes over millennia. It also helps identify kinship and genetic links between individuals. Furthermore, ancient DNA research sheds light on the evolution of animals and plants, revealing how humans have shaped their environment.

The exhibition is the result of an in-depth research project at Vapriikki, focusing on the Iron Age and Medieval Period in the historic regions of Upper Satakunta and Häme, which today form the Pirkanmaa area. The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with the people of the past, with facial reconstructions from various parts of Finland created using skeletal remains and ancient DNA analysis.