National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland occupies an Art Nouveau building constructed from heavy granite walls with a central tower at its core. The protected structure houses archaeological finds, coins, medals, and ethnographic artifacts documenting the nation's past.

Finnish architects Gesellius, Lindgren, and Saarinen designed this building, which opened in 1916 following six years of construction. The project reflected the national aspirations of the early 1900s and became a symbol of the country's modern identity.

The collection shows how Finns lived from medieval times through the 1800s, displaying everyday objects and handicrafts that reveal the country's social customs. Visitors can see how craftsmanship, clothing, and household practices changed across the centuries.

The museum is currently closed for major renovations until spring 2027. During this period, visitors can explore the permanent collections through online virtual experiences.

The building's interior features protected ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from the Kalevala, Finland's national epic poem. These artistic works give the interior spaces a cultural depth that extends beyond the displayed collections.

Location: Helsinki

Inception: 1916

Architects: Gesellius, Lindgren, and Saarinen

Official opening: 1916

Architectural style: Art Nouveau architecture

Elevation above the sea: 13 m

Operator: Museovirasto

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-18:00, Monday closed

Phone: +358401286469

Website: https://kansallismuseo.fi/en

GPS coordinates: 60.17498,24.93156

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40