Discover Helsinki‘s cultural treasures through its remarkable array of museums and attractions, each offering a unique glimpse into Finland’s rich heritage. From world-class art collections to captivating natural history exhibits, and from historic fortresses to interactive sports displays, Helsinki’s cultural scene is both diverse and enriching.
Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, nature enthusiast, or sports fan, the city offers an unforgettable journey through its vibrant cultural landscape. Helsinki’s top cultural attractions promise to engage, educate, and inspire visitors of all ages
Finland’s Artistic Heritage at the Ateneum Art Museum
Situated in the vibrant heart of Helsinki, just opposite the main railway station and surrounded by numerous hotels and shopping malls, the Ateneum Art Museum is the most visited museum in Finland. As part of the Finnish National Gallery, the Ateneum is home to Finland’s oldest and most extensive collection of art, spanning from the 18th century to the Modernist era. With nearly 30 000 national treasures in its collection, the museum offers a profound journey through Finnish artistic evolution. The Ateneum has three floors of fascinating exhibitions, two comfortable cafes, and a charming museum shop, all of which encourages visitors to immerse themselves fully in the artistic experience and spend as much time as they like exploring the museum.
The museum’s current collection, “A Question of Time,” explores four thematic lenses: The Age of Nature, Images of a People which portrays Finnishness, Modern Life, and Art and Power.
The temporary exhibition, running until August 25th, is a retrospective of Eero Järnefelt, one of the biggest names in Finnish art from the late 19th to early 20th century. Showcasing over 200 works, it highlights Järnefelt’s detailed natural environments and portraits of prominent figures from that era.
Connect with Nature at LUOMUS: Finnish Museum of Natural History and Botanic Gardens
Comprising three captivating attractions, the Natural History Museum, and the Botanic Gardens of Kaisaniemi and Kumpula, LUOMUS provides visitors with an easy way to get to know Finland’s natural history and the huge variety of its nature.
Renowned as one of Finland’s most popular museums, the Natural History Museum is a must-visit destination for those eager to delve into the fascinating world of Finland’s diverse ecosystems and the planet’s rich biodiversity. There are five permanent exhibitions to explore in the Natural History Museum’s spacious rooms and halls, showcasing the diversity of Finnish and global nature.
Dating back to the 19th century, the Kaisaniemi Botanic Gardens invite visitors to stroll through its historic paths past a myriad of plant collections, close by the city centre. At Kaisaniemi visitors can explore the family ties between plants in the evolutionary garden, enjoy the rich colours and fragrances in the garden of the senses, or simply relax in a dusky arboretum.
Located a short bus ride from the city centre, in one of Helsinki’s most picturesque districts of old wooden houses, the Kumpula Botanic Garden makes an ideal day out for all the family, a serene escape where you can connect with nature and discover the beauty of Finland’s botanical treasures. Enjoy a relaxed picnic in the garden or surrounding park lands, explore the diverse plant and geological collections, or even take a refreshing dip in the nearby outdoor swimming pool.
From Submarines to Toys – Suomenlinna’s Diverse Museums
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna welcomes visitors all year round, just a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki. Its combination of military architecture and marine nature make Suomenlinna one of the most popular tourist destinations in Finland.
Suomenlinna boasts six museums, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of the fortress. The main museum of the Fortress, the Suomenlinna Museum and the Military Museum are open year-round, while the Finnish Customs Museum, the nostalgic Toy Museum of Suomenlinna, Ehrensvärd Museum with it’s Gustavian interior, and the Vesikko Submarine are open seasonally.
When visiting Suomenlinna, a stop at Restaurant Adlerfelt is highly recommended. Located in a 250-year-old building, Adlerfelt embodies the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the area.
Tallink Silja Line’s Cruises – Cultural and Gastronomic Journey
Embark on a luxurious cruise with Tallink Silja Line, where the journey is as enchanting as the destination. Onboard, indulge in authentic Finnish experiences that blend relaxation, nature, and culinary delights. Start your voyage by immersing yourself in the soothing warmth of a Finnish sauna, with panoramic views of the Baltic Sea enhancing your serene escape. Tallink Silja Line offers cruises from Helsinki to Tallinn or Stockholm, providing the perfect gateway to explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of these vibrant cities.
Haltia Nature Centre in Nuuksio National Park – Exhibitions and Outdoor Adventures
Located in Nuuksio National Park, just 30 minutes from Helsinki city centre, the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking immersive experiences in Finland’s stunning landscapes. From its diverse exhibitions to the array of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Haltia hosts changing exhibitions; the Finnish Nature main exhibition highlights the seasonal differences in Finland, with a touch of the Kalevala’s mythology, and The Snowy Canyon showcases life during winter. The highlight is the nature panorama wall, with the Five Seasons virtual wall displaying Finland’s beauty, from the Archipelago to Lapland’s fells and all 41 national parks. The “Burn to be wild!” exhibition runs until April 6, 2025, and explores forest fires in Finland, emphasising the Life2Taiga project’s benefits of controlled burns on biodiversity, soil, and habitats.
Visitors to Nuuksio National Park can also explore Finland’s southernmost reindeer park and spend a night in the park’s eco-friendly Igluhut. Located near the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, Haltia Lake Lodge’s glamping tents provide a luxurious yet authentic camping experience. Haltia Lake Lodge also offers a myriad of activities for both overnight guests and day visitors, ensuring a memorable nature experience.
Old European Masters at Sinebrychoff Art Museum
The Sinebrychoff Art Museum is home to the Finnish National Gallery’s collection of old European art. At the heart of the museum is the Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff Home Museum, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the brewery owner’s splendid home, and which is always free to visit.
Sinebrychoff Art Museum showcases old European art from the 14th to the 19th century. The art collections include Swedish portrait art, Dutch and Flemish art from the 17th century, as well as Italian and French painting treasures. The museum houses Finland’s largest collection of miniatures and Finland’s only painting by Rembrandt, “The Reading Monk”.
The “Water and Life” exhibition, running until August 11, 2024, explores humanity’s relationship with water from the seventeenth century to the present day, featuring paintings, sculptures, graphic art, and contemporary art.
Valentin de Boulogne’s monumental painting Allegory of Italy (1628–29) is displayed at the Sinebrychoff Art Museum during the renovation of the Villa Lante. And the upcoming international exhibition for the autumn of 2024 is “Jacopo Bassano – Venetian Renaissance Master” from September 12, 2024, to January 12, 2025
Family-Friendly Sports Adventures at TAHTO Sports Museum
Visitors are invited to experience the stories and joy of sports at TAHTO Sports Museum in the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, where its interactive exhibitions provide fun activities for the whole family. Open daily, TAHTO is not just an engaging destination for sports enthusiasts; it’s also a fantastic choice for the whole family, catering to both adults and children alike. The main exhibition, “The Story of TAHTO” is divided into themes such as the locker room, the Helsinki Olympics of 1952, heroes of Finnish sports, and winter sports. It also features the silver torch from the Helsinki Olympics. TAHTO also hosts changing exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, and various events.
Lake Tuusula – the Historic Homes of Finland’s Renowned Artists
Situated by the shores of Lake Tuusula, Krapi is a sustainable resort offering authentic Finnish experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes. Krapi’s location by Lake Tuusula makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Lake Tuusula was once home to one of Finland’s most prestigious groups of artists, and the homes they once lived in still dot the lakeside paths, providing visitors with a chance to step back in time to the Golden Age of Finnish Art. These include Ainola – the home of Sibelius; Halosenniemi – the wilderness studio of painter Pekka Halonen; Suviranta – the former studio residence of painter Eero Järnefelt; Erkkola – home of poet J. H. Erkko; and the Aleksis Kivi Memorial Cottage.
