10 Best Museums in Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and also one of the most important cities in Scandinavia. With a heritage that includes influences from Swedish and Russian rule, this destination stands out as a cultural beacon in the region, and much of its history, tradition and customs can be discovered in the displays and exhibitions here.

Some of the best things to do in Helsinki include visiting the Suomenlinna Museum, browsing the galleries of the National Museum of Finland, discovering local contemporary art at Kiasma, visiting Amox Rex, contemplating the remnants of war at the Military Museum, marvelling at Seurasaari Island from its open-air exhibition and getting to know Espoo through its art exhibitions.

The Suomenlinna Museum, located on the island of the same name off the coast of Helsinki, is an exhibition housed in a maritime fortress built in the 18th century, which is a tangible testimony to Finland's rich naval and military history. In its galleries this museum offers an experience that combines history and culture in a fascinating environment.

The tour of the Suomenlinna Museum will allow you to discover the daily life of the soldiers and the inhabitants of the fortress during different periods until its final closure in 1970. The exhibits include military relics, photographs and models illustrating the evolution of Suomenlinna from its construction to its role in key events in Finnish history, such as the Second World War.

During your visit, you can discover old batteries, passages and military buildings, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the Baltic Sea from the fortress walls in one of the best things to do in the city, especially if you plan to visit Helsinki in summer, when the skyline is usually clear.

In addition to its rich historical heritage, the Suomenlinna Museum also offers educational programmes and cultural events throughout the year. Workshops, lectures and temporary exhibitions enrich the visitors' experience, providing a comprehensive overview of Suomenlinna's importance in the city's defence history.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 8 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Suomenlinna C74, Helsinki.

If you want to visit one of the most traditional sites in Helsinki, you can't miss the National Museum of Finland. This exhibition is considered a cultural treasure trove that spans the country's history from prehistoric times to the present day. Its galleries offer an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the centuries, exploring the roots and evolution of Finnish identity.

From archaeological items to everyday objects, paintings and sculptures, each of the galleries highlights specific aspects of Finnish culture and draws heavily on local heritage. The museum also features Viking jewellery, traditional Finnish costumes, antique tools and works of art that capture the essence of each historical period.

The building, located in the heart of the Finnish capital, is a tourist attraction in itself, as it is built in a neo-medieval style, and very close to some of the main sites of the city, such as the Helsinki Cathedral or the Market Square, two stops included in the architectural excursions, which are part of the best tours of this destination.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 10 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.
• Location: Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki.

One of the most outstanding alternatives to get to know the best artistic works in Helsinki is to visit the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. Housed in a building that was designed by architect Steven Holl and reflects the innovation and modernity that characterise its collection, the museum offers visitors a universe of artistic expression that encompasses a wide variety of forms and media.

The Kiasma's exhibitions feature interactive installations, avant-garde sculptures, expressionist paintings, provocative photographs and staged performances that will capture your attention. The permanent collection ranges from works by emerging Finnish artists to internationally acclaimed names, giving you a unique perspective on current artistic trends.

In addition, the Kiasma is often the site of temporary exhibitions that are often socially, politically and culturally anchored, bringing a reflective dimension to the art experience. Because of its proximity to Helsinki's main harbour, you can combine this visit with a trip on the city's best cruise ships or other activities on the surrounding canals.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 13 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.
• Location: Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki.

Housed in a former underground warehouse, the Amos Rex Museum is another of Helsinki's epicentres of contemporary art. Within its galleries you can explore eclectic and thematic collections, multimedia installations, performances and other modern artistic expressions.

The museum also promotes cultural events, film screenings, concerts and educational activities for children, making it an ideal place to visit if you plan to tour Helsinki with children. The site's commitment to interactivity and artistic experimentation makes it one of the most famous avant-garde experiences on offer in the Finnish capital.

Inside Amox Rex, you will also find a small café that is often a meeting point for local artists, allowing you to have a hot drink or take a break before continuing your tour, which will be comforting, especially if you are planning to visit Helsinki during the winter.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 20 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 11.00 am to 8.00 pm.
• Location: Mannerheimintie 22-24, Helsinki.

Finland has a Viking past, was involved in the Second World War and endured Swedish and Russian domination, so, contrary to popular belief, it has a strong wartime past. This is why the Military Museum of Finland allows you to discover this aspect of the country.

Housed in the former General Staff building, the museum presents a comprehensive collection of artefacts, uniforms, weapons, documents and, above all, military relics that trace the development of the Finnish armed forces from the War of Independence to the present day. The main focus of the galleries is on demonstrating Finland's evolution as a sovereign nation.

In the Military Museum 's exhibits you can also see military vehicles, from tanks to aircraft, which will give you an insight into the history of the country's mobilisation and defence, especially during the 20th century. In addition, the museum offers an in-depth insight into the lives of soldiers over the years, highlighting the dedication and sacrifice that have marked Finnish military performance.

The site can be reached by public transport or on Helsinki's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses that include a stop in nearby areas.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 7 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
• Location: Maurinkatu 1, Helsinki.

For a museum unlike any other, you can't miss a visit to Seurasaari Island for an open-air tour of its exhibitions. This picturesque island is home to a unique collection of historic buildings from various regions of Finland, representing the country' s architecture and lifestyle from the Middle Ages to the present day. On its meandering paths, you can discover the essence of Finland in a tangible way.

The buildings at the Seurasaari Open Air Museum include farmhouses, cottages, churches and windmills, each meticulously relocated and reconstructed to preserve their authenticity. The exhibits showcase the daily life, old tools, traditional dress and festive celebrations that were part of the cultural fabric of Finland in each era, so rather than a static exhibition, this museum offers an interactive experience.

In addition, during different times of the year, the museum organises themed events and activities, from traditional festivals to craft demonstrations and folk music. This way, you can dive into the local culture in a fun and, above all, indigenous way.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 10 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm.
• Location: Seurasaari, Helsinki.

The Ateneum Museum, opened in 1887, making it one of the oldest museums in the city, houses a rich collection of works ranging from the Finnish Golden Age to contemporary artistic expressions. The neo-Renaissance building itself is a masterpiece that serves as the perfect backdrop to appreciate the diversity and evolution of Finnish art over the years.

The museum's permanent collections include works by renowned artists such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Eero Järnefelt and Helene Schjerfbeck. Here you can explore a wide variety of artistic expressions, ranging from realist paintings to symbolism and modernism. In addition, temporary exhibitions provide a window into international and contemporary art, offering visitors new perspectives and approaches.

However, please note that the Ateneum Museum offers not only a retrospective but also a contemporary look, organising cultural events, talks and educational activities that encourage active participation and the emergence of new artists. Located in the city centre, it is an ideal attraction to combine with a tour of Temppeliaukion Kirkko or Kaisaniemi.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 22 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 to 20.00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.
• Location: Kaivokatu 2, Helsinki.

The Helsinki City Museum, administered by the city government, houses a varied collection spanning from prehistory to the present day, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Helsinki's evolution over the centuries. Housed in a landmark building, this exhibition is presented as an endorsement of the collective memory of the city and its inhabitants.

Within the galleries of the Municipal Museum you will find exhibits detailing the urban history of Helsinki, from its founding to its transformation into the modern metropolis it is today, and which has led it to be considered one of the cultural and financial capitals of Northern Europe.

Artefacts, historical photographs, maps and thousands of documents bear witness to the everyday life, architectural landmarks and social changes that have shaped the city over time. In addition, the museum presents temporary exhibitions that highlight specific aspects of Helsinki culture, contributing a dynamic and contemporary perspective.

As a cultural promoter of the Finnish capital, the Municipal Museum offers reduced rates during the festive season, which marks the city's high season, and is also included in the Helsinki Card tourist pass.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 9 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm.
• Location: Aleksanterinkatu 16-18, Helsinki.

Although not actually located in Helsinki but in Espoo, some 20 kilometres from the Finnish capital, the Museum of Modern Art is a vibrant enclave celebrating contemporary creativity in all its forms. Considered a beacon of artistic innovation, this exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to soak up modern art and also to get to know Finland's second largest city.

In the galleries of the Espoo Museum of Modern Art, you can browse a collection of paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations and works by local and international artists. In addition, temporary exhibitions often highlight the latest artistic trends and currents, providing a fresh and dynamic view of creativity on the world stage.

One of the most interesting facets of the Espoo Museum are the cultural events and educational activities, which encourage interactive experiences and include artist talks, participatory workshops and independent film screenings to complement the exhibitions.

In any case, this museum will also provide you with the perfect excuse to take one of the best tours from Helsinki and get to know the beautiful city of Espoo and the importance of its historic centre.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 20 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00.
• Location: Ahertajantie 5, Espoo.

The Helsinki Art Museum does not become dispensable just because it deals with a theme that is present in many of the city's exhibitions. One of the cultural epicentres of the Finnish capital, it is one of the few museums that includes a collection of classical art, which combines perfectly with contemporary art performances.

The museum's permanent collections also include galleries of applied art, allowing you to discover a complete overview of one of the artistic movements that have shaped Finnish art history. Sculptures and paintings by European artists are also on display in the corridors of this museum.

Temporary exhibitions ranging from Chinese vases to Islamic art are also on display, making this museum not only a window into local culture, but also a showcase of the interconnectedness of Helsinki as a global capital with the rest of the world.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 18 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesdays from 10.00 to 17.30 and Wednesdays to Sundays from 11.30 to 19.00.
• Location: Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8, Helsinki.