When visiting Helsinki, immersing yourself in its natural history is a must. Among the city’s treasures is the Finnish Museum of Natural History LUOMUS, comprising three captivating attractions: the Natural History Museum, and the Botanic Gardens of Kaisaniemi and Kumpula. Let’s take a closer look at each of these sites and what they offer to curious visitors.
Natural History Museum
Situated in the heart of Helsinki, the Natural History Museum is easily identified by the distinctive elk statue by the entrance, welcoming you to a world of natural wonder. Renowned as one of Finland’s most popular museums, it’s 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.
The History of Life exhibition takes visitors on a journey into the past, to the beginning of life’s evolution, meeting dinosaurs along the way, and learning how our knowledge of the development of living organisms grows in the light of fresh scientific research.
In the Finnish Nature exhibition, you are taken on a captivating journey through Finland’s distinct seasons, travelling north from spring in the archipelagos, to the lush summer of the lake district, through the mires and forests in the fall, reaching Lapland in its cold and dark winter.
The World Nature exhibition invites visitors to explore a range of global ecosystems, diving to the ocean’s depths, joining bears as they fish the rivers that feed the oceans, basking under the stars of the African savannas, and journeying to the eucalyptus forests of Australia, home to kangaroos and other marsupials.
The Story of the Bones exhibition delves into the world of vertebrates, offering fascinating insights into their development, evolution, and diversity from various perspectives. From ancient fossils to modern-day skeletons, this exhibition sheds light on the secrets of the skeletal world.
The Change in the Air exhibition delves into the pressing issue of climate change, presenting new research conducted at the University of Helsinki which showcases the effects of climate change on the northern environment, and shows how we can learn to adapt to the changes for a more sustainable future.
Festival in the Forest is a special Summer 2024 exhibition, celebrating the museum’s centenary, and especially designed for kids. As they explore the party tents, they’ll encounter many surprises, from crawling insects to skilled taxidermists and bird-ringers.
Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s café and shop, offering a chance to relax and purchase souvenirs inspired by the natural world.
Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre lies the enchanting Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden, a haven of greenery and tranquillity. Dating back to the 19th century, this outdoor garden invites visitors to stroll through its historic paths past a myriad of plant collections, exploring the family ties between plants in the evolutionary garden, enjoying the rich colours and fragrances in the garden of the senses, or relaxing in a dusky arboretum.
Ten glasshouses offer a glimpse into the plant life of torrid deserts, humid rainforests and tropical wetlands. The enormous Santa Cruz water lilies, banana trees, flowering cacti, and carnivorous plants remain the favourites.
As you wander, you’ll notice informative labels accompanying the plants, enriching your experience with botanical knowledge. And for a delightful break, the garden hosts a restaurant where you can savour refreshments midst the lush surroundings.
Kumpula Botanic Garden
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.
Kumpula Botanic Garden invites visitors to take a trip through foliage from the Rocky Mountains to the Far East, or to simply relax by a pond and find inspiration for their home gardens and vegetable patchs. Located at Kumpula Manor, the garden’s Geological collections provide an introduction to the minerals found in the Earth’s crust, as well as various rock types, meteorites, and diverse fossils.
A visit to Helsinki’s Finnish Museum of Natural History LUOMUS and its accompanying botanic gardens promises an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and curious minds alike. From captivating exhibitions to serene green spaces, these attractions offer a deeper understanding of the natural world while providing moments of relaxation and inspiration in the bustling city of Helsinki.
