Baron August Mannerheim (1805-1876) enjoyed himself wherever people were having fun. After passing his civil service examinations, he first worked in St. Petersburg and Stockholm and then at the Bank of Finland. After that he worked under the auspices of the Governor-General on special duties and was awarded the title of councillor of state.
     The Museum's collection includes August Mannerheim's drawings, a number of which are witty sketches or impish caricatures.

Finland's first homegrown opera, King Charles' Hunt, had its first night on March 24, 1852. There were seven performances with an amateur troupe. The opera was the result of collaboration between the composer Fredrik Pacius and the writer Zachris Topelius. August Mannerheim designed the costumes and his brother, Count Carl Mannerheim, sang the part of the king. August was a great friend of the opera and theatre. He is even known to have performed in small plays in French.