Explore the Finnish National Museum: A Gem of Architectural Heritage

Name: Finnish National Museum
Address: 34, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00100, FI
Rating: 4.4

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Explore the Finnish National Museum: A Gem of Architectural Heritage

Overview

The Finnish National Museum is a remarkable institution that stands as a testament to Finland's rich cultural and architectural history. Designed by the acclaimed architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren, and Eliel Saarinen, this museum was constructed between 1905 and 1910 and was officially opened in 1916. Located on the site of the former State Historical Museum, it encompasses collections from multiple smaller museums under the Finnish government's stewardship. After extensive renovations between 1997 and 2000, the museum showcases an impressive granite exterior adorned with steatite decorations that reflect the Romantic style associated with Finland's architectural evolution. Inside, visitors are greeted by a grand central hall with stunning vaulted ceilings, highlighted by exquisite frescoes by renowned artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The museum's exhibits include a detailed exploration of Finland's prehistory and the pivotal events surrounding the nation's independence from Russia, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the country's heritage.

Reviews

Olli Virtanen

Finland

An incredible museum for those who appreciate history and artifacts from Finland. Make sure to store your bags and coats in the free lockers available; the tokens can be found near the lockers. The staff members are exceptionally friendly and quite knowledgeable. The exhibits are impressive. While many museums offer a plethora of activities for children, adults can also enjoy themselves here.

Erika Lahtinen

Finland

The collection is extensive and diverse, providing much to explore and learn about. We spent more than three hours in the museum without stopping to read everything or using the audio guides. It was my first visit to Finland, and my knowledge of its history and culture was minimal. The introduction panels of the exhibits offered me valuable insights without feeling like a tedious lecture. Anticipating its reopening in 2027!

Jani Metsälä

Finland

I was fortunate to visit the museum before the renovation work commenced. This place is fantastic, with numerous intriguing collections and fascinating things to discover. The staff were very supportive and welcoming. There are student discounts available, even for international visitors. I can't wait to return once the expansion is completed.

Yuki Tanaka

Finland

Visit soon! The museum will be closed for at least two years for renovations. It has several permanent exhibitions, including those on Finnish history and pre-historic times. Currently, there’s also a fascinating temporary exhibition on outsider art, which I highly recommend! The building itself showcases classical, elegant architecture worth appreciating.

Mikko Korhonen

Finland

For those interested in Finnish history, mythology, and culture, this museum is a must-visit. I particularly enjoyed the pre-historic section, which was interactive and distinctive. However, I found the other collections to be good but not exceptional. The museum is also user-friendly, making it easy for visitors to navigate through various sections. I definitely recommend the free audio tour, as it significantly enriched my understanding while exploring different areas.