Many of Helsinki's museums are as interesting from the outside as from the inside. Architecture buffs will get a kick out of Helsinki's Neo-Classical center, centered around Senate Square (Senaatintori), where a statue of the liberal Russian czar Alexander II stands guard. Aleksanterinkatu and the Railway Station square also have some beautiful neo-classical buildings ? look out for the Romantic Kalevala-esque themes ? but unfortunately these areas also have many concrete monstrosities mixed in.
Ateneum Art Museum, Kaivokatu 2, ☎ +358 9 1733 61 (+358 9 1733 6228 for tickets), . Open Tu-F 9AM-6PM, W-Th 9AM-8PM, Sa-Su 11AM-5PM. Closed Mon.. Ateneum can be considered the most nationally significant art museum, and it has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in Finland. Particularly notable is the collection of works by major Finnish artists. Works include renowned interpretations of the national epic Kalevala.Adults €6, under 18 free, special prices may apply during major exhibitions. First Wednesday of the month 5PM-8PM free admission.. �
Design Museum, Korkeavuorenkatu 23, ☎ +358 9 622 0540, . Open Tu 11AM-8PM, W-Su 11AM-6PM. Closed Mondays.. Exhibitions of modern commercial and industrial design and modern art. The permanent exhibit in the basement showcases the history of consumer-goods design over the course of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the contributions of Finnish designers.€7 for adults, €3 for students, and free for children. �
Helsinki City Museum, Sofiankatu 4, ☎ +358 9 3103 6630, . The museum actually covers a whole series of old buildings around Helsinki, but the centerpiece is the (short) street of Sofiankatu itself, carefully restored as a replica of the 1930s.Free. �
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Mannerheiminaukio 2, ☎ +358 9 1733 6501, . Tu 10AM-5PM, W-Su 10AM-8:30PM. Closed Mondays.. The sometimes unusual collections mostly include works by contemporary Finnish artists and artists from nearby countries. There are also periodical exhibitions. The building itself is arguably a work of art.€7 for adults, €5 for undergraduate students, senior citizens, visual artists, and groups with at least 7 people. Free admission for visitors under 18. First Wed of the month is free from 5PM-8PM. �
National Museum of Finland (Kansallismuseo), Mannerheimintie 34, . Tu-W 11AM-8PM, Th-Su 11AM-6PM, Closed Mon. A beautiful classical building houses this old museum, which has recently been renovated. The exhibit includes displays of artifacts and items relating to Finland's history.€6/4 adult/child. Free admission for visitors under 18. Tuesday has free admission from 5:30PM-8PM.. �
Museum of Cultures (Kulttuurien museo), Tennispalatsi 2nd floor, Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8, . Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F-Su 11AM-6PM, Closed Mon.. One of Helsinki's quirkier museums, concentrates on changing exhibitions of cultures outside Finland.€5/4 adult/child. Tu 5PM-8PM and F 11AM-6PM free admission.. �
Heureka Science Centre, Tikkurila (near Tikkurila train station), . M-W, Th 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM.. If you have children, this is a great place for a day trip. Hands-on science tests and exhibitions plus Verne super-cinema. There's also a Heureka Shop, where you can buy interesting science-related memorabilia.Adult: €19; Children (6-15): €12.50. �
Mannerheim Museum, Kalliolinnantie 14 (Trams 3T and 3B), . Fri, Sat, Su 11AM-4PM. Finnish Marshall Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim lived in this villa 1924—51. The museum contains his personal home and his vast array of items acquired during his life and on his long travels.€8. �
Military Museum, Maurinkatu 1 (Trams 7A and 7B), . Tu-Th 11AM–5PM, F–Su 11AM–4PM. Closed Mondays.. Founded in 1929, the central museum of the Finnish Defence Forces.€4. �
Military Museum Manege, Suomenlinna, Iso Mustasaari (Take an inexpensive ferry from Kauppatori), . Open summertime (12.5-31.8, closed 19-21.6) daily 11AM–6PM. Exhibits vehicles and armament used by Finnish forces during Winter War and WW2.€4. �
Submarine Vesikko, Suomenlinna, Susisaari (Take an inexpensive ferry from Kauppatori), . Open summertime (12.5-31.8, closed 19-21.6) daily 11AM–6PM. Vesikko was one of five submarines to serve the Finnish Navy during the wars in 1939-44. It´s also the only surviving German Type II (Vesikko was the prototype) submarine in the world.€4. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Helsinki
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Helsinki - updated Apr 2024
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Helsinki Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
