Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is known for its rich history and modern design. One of the best ways to explore its unique identity is by visiting its museums. From world-class art galleries to design and history museums, Helsinki offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in traditional Finnish culture, modern art or innovative design, the city will not disappoint you. Museums in Helsinki not only hold impressive collections but are also housed in beautiful and often historic buildings with their own charm. Read this blog to discover the most iconic venues in the city and dive into the stories, art, and ideas that have shaped Finland over different eras.
Ultimate Guide to the Most Iconic Museums in Helsinki
Given below is the list of the most significant museums in Helsinki that every traveler needs to visit for an enriching experience:
1. Ateneum Art Museum
If you are an artist or someone who loves art, Ateneum Art Museum is an unmissable stop during your visit to Finland. Located right across from the Helsinki Central Railway Station, the museum opened in 1988 and is the national gallery of Finland. It is home to the largest collection of classical Finnish art, spanning from the 18th century to the modern era. Inside, you will see more than 30000 artworks, including paintings and sculptures by globally renowned artists like Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Helene Schjerfbeck and Vincent van Gogh. The collections also highlight the contribution of local art in shaping the national identity. Moreover, the grand museum building itself is an architectural masterpiece with a neo-Renaissance facade decorated with statues and reliefs.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €18 to €22 for adults
Tips for Visiting Ateneum Art Museum:
- Book your tickets online to avoid queues, especially on weekends
- The free audio guide available on your smartphone offers fascinating insights into the key artworks.
2. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is a striking landmark in central Helsinki. Established in 1998, the museum focuses on contemporary art of Finland and nearby countries since the 1960s. It is housed in a unique modern building designed by American architect Steven Holl. Kiasma is a part of the Finnish National Gallery and has around 8,500 works of art in its collection. Inside, visitors can see the iconic works of artists like Tom of Finland and Kalervo Palsa. The museum hosts changing exhibitions, so there is always something new to see. The building also features a café, a shop, and spaces for events and performances.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €18 to €20 for adults
Tips for Visiting Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma:
- Check the schedule for guided tours and workshops, which can add another layer to your visit
- The museum is often less crowded on weekday evenings
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3. Design Museum Helsinki
Located in the heart of the Design District in Helsinki, Design Museum is one of the oldest museums in Finland focused on design. Although it was originally established in 1873, the museum was moved to its current building in 1978. The museum showcases the history of Finnish design across fashion, graphics, furniture and industrial products. Its collection includes over 100,000 drawings and 75,000 other objects related to design. Many well-known Finnish designers like Alvar Aalto and Eero Aarnio are featured in the museum. In addition to permanent displays, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year that are suitable for families and kids.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €15 to €20 for adults.
Tips for Visiting Design Museum Helsinki:
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding Design District
- Explore the nearby art galleries, studios, and boutiques
4. National Museum of Finland
Officially named Suomen Kansallismuseo, National Museum of Finland is indeed the best spot for comprehensive journey through the nation’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Opened in 1916, it is housed in a large stone building designed to look like a castle and completed with a towering steeple. The museum has over half a million items in its collection, including clothes, tools, coins, and old documents. The exhibits are presented in an engaging way, which makes it easy for visitors of all ages to connect with the past. One of the most popular displays is the Treasure Trove, which showcases weapons and old jewelry of Finnish people.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €15 to €18 for adults
Tips for Visiting National Museum of Finland:
- Allocate at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the extensive collections fully
- The museum cafe offers a peaceful spot to relax and reflect
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5. Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
Just a short drive from Helsinki city center, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum on Seurasaari island takes you back in time away from the city buzz. Founded in 1909, this museum presents traditional Finnish life from the 18th to the 20th century. The island features several wooden houses, a church, farmsteads, and manors relocated from different parts of the country. At the museum, visitors can explore local crafts, see traditional way of life and learn about rural Finnish customs. It’s a wonderful spot for families and anyone looking to experience Finland's heritage in a natural, peaceful setting. The museum also has a park, which provides a serene space for picnics.
Opening Hours: Hours vary by season; generally open daily from May to September
Ticket Price Range: €10 to €16 for adults
Tips for Visiting Seurasaari Open-Air Museum:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking
- Visit during a sunny day to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of Seurasaari island
6. Amos Rex
Established in 2018, Amos Rex is one of the newest and most exciting cultural attractions in Helsinki. The museum is famous for its unique subterranean architecture with curved ceilings that rise into the Lasipalatsi Square above. The underground gallery spaces of the museum host immersive exhibitions of contemporary and 20th-century art, mostly cutting-edge digital installations. Amos Rex offers a truly modern museum experience that is both visually attractive and highly interactive, making it popular among solo travelers and students.
Opening Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €15 to €22 for adults
Tips for Visiting Amos Rex:
- The museum is very popular, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended
- Don't forget to explore the domed plaza outside after your visit
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7. Helsinki City Museum
Want to learn about Helsinki? Head straight to Helsinki City Museum, located next to the Senate Square. Officially founded in 1911, the museum tells the story of Helsinki, its people and their everyday life through different times. The museum houses a collection has over one million photographs and more than 450,000 objects, including furniture, clothes, and items used in daily life. It features both permanent and temporary exhibitions and also includes a fun area for kids called Children's Town.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Ticket Price Range: Free Entry
Tips for Visiting Helsinki City Museum:
- Entry to the museum is free, which makes it a great place for all visitors
- Take time to explore other attractions in Senate Square area
8. Suomenlinna Museum
Just a short ferry ride from Helsinki, Suomenlinna Museum is a popular museum to visit for history and scenic beauty of Finland. It is located in the UNESCO-listed area of the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. The museum was founded in 1963 and tells the story of the 18th-century fortress under Swedish, Russian, and Finnish rule. It has more than 8,000 items, including weapons, uniforms, maps, models of old ships, multimedia presentations, and other artifacts. There is also a short film based on the history of the island, shown in several languages. The museum provides a good overview of the military and daily life on the island over the years.
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM in summer, 10 AM to 4:30 PM in winter
Ticket Price Range: Free Entry
Tips for Visiting Suomenlinna Museum:
- The ferry ride to Suomenlinna is part of the experience
- Your Helsinki public transport ticket (HSL) covers the ferry journey
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9. Sinebrychoff Art Museum
Situated on Bulevardi Street, Sinebrychoff Art Museum is a well-known museum dedicated to Old Master European Art. It opened in 1990 and is a part of the Finnish National Gallery. The museum is housed in the former residence of collectors Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff, who donated their large art collection to the state. Inside, it hosts over 4,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and porcelain from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The collection includes works by artists like Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Peter Paul Rubens, and Vincent van Gogh.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday & Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €18 to €20 for adults
Tips for Sinebrychoff Art Museum:
- Explore the upstairs rooms, which are kept as they were when the family lived there
- Enjoy a relaxing walk in the nearby Sinebrychoff Park before or after your visit
10. Finnish Museum of Natural History
Sitting right in the heart of Helsinki, Finnish Museum of Natural History is a must-visit place to learn about nature, animals, and the environment of Finland and the world. It is part of the University of Helsinki and is easily recognizable by the elk statue at the entrance. Although it was officially established in 1988, some of its collections are much older. Inside, visitors can see five permanent exhibitions showcasing Finnish nature, world biodiversity, the history of life, and more. The museum has more than 13 million specimens, including fossils, plants, insects, birds, and mammals from Finland and other parts of the world. Popular exhibits include Story of the Bones, Dinosaur skeletons, a moose, and a huge whale model hanging from the ceiling. It is also popular for interactive displays that ensure fun for both kids and adults.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €15 to €18 for adults
Tips for Finnish Museum of Natural History:
- Plan a visit on a weekday in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds
- Combine it with a tour to nearby attractions like Temppeliaukio Church and the Parliament House
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Other Information About Helsinki
8 Practical Tips for Your Visit to Museums in Helsinki
- Check the opening hours, ticket prices, and any special exhibitions online before visiting
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays
- Buy tickets online to skip the lines and save time
- Bring only essentials as some museums don’t allow large bags or have limited locker space
- Museums often involve a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes
- Use benches or museum cafés to rest, especially during longer visits
- Follow signs about photography and keep quiet in certain areas
- Do not touch any exhibits displayed in the museum
Top Things to Do in Helsinki
- Take a tour of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Wander through Senate Square, lined with historic buildings
- Admire the stunning Neoclassical architecture of Helsinki Cathedral
- Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna after exploration
- Visit the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), carved directly into solid rock
- Buy souvenirs from stalls in the Old Market Hall and Market Square
- Take a day trip to the medieval town of Porvoo
- Soak in the serene surroundings and fresh air of Seurasaari Island
- Experience the Bohemian vibe of Kallio district at its bars and cafes
Helsinki is literally a paradise for lovers of culture, art and history. Its diverse array of museums ensures every visitor has something that sparks their curiosity. Whether you are a solo traveler seeking inspiration in contemporary art galleries, a family looking for interactive historical exhibits or an academic exploring deep cultural roots, the museums in Helsinki will not disappoint. So, if you are planning a trip to Helsinki, book one of our Finland tour packages and avail personalized itineraries, accommodation, flights and so much more. Ready to dive into history of Finland like never before?
FAQ’s – Museums in Helsinki
While most major museums in Helsinki have an admission fee, the Helsinki City Museum and its associated properties offer free entry for everyone. Some other museums in the city also have specific free-admission days or hours, so it’s worth checking their websites.
For classical Finnish art, the Ateneum Art Museum is the best place to visit in Helsinki. If you are interested in contemporary and modern art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and Amos Rex are top choices with their dynamic and immersive exhibitions.
For hassle-free exploration of top museums in Helsinki, plan a trip of at least two to three days. This allows you to explore two or three key museums and still have time to visit other attractions in the city.
Yes, Helsinki Card is very beneficial if you plan to visit several museums included in the pass. It provides free entry to many top museums, such as the Ateneum Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma along with usage of public transport.
The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and the Finnish Museum of Natural History in Helsinki are excellent for families due to their engaging and interactive nature. The ‘Children's Town’ at Helsinki City Museum is also a fantastic place for a hands-on experience for kids.
Ateneum Art Museum, the National Museum of Finland, and the Suomenlinna Museum are the popular museums in Helsinki that every first-time visitor must visit for a great overview of Finnish art, history, and military heritage.
Yes, you can visit multiple museums across Helsinki in a day, especially those located close to each other in the city center. For example, you could easily combine a visit to the Ateneum Art Museum with the nearby Kiasma or Helsinki City Museum.
For a truly unique experience at museums in Helsinki, visit Amos Rex with its stunning underground architecture and immersive exhibitions. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum also offers a one-of-a-kind insight into history while seated on a beautiful island.
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