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Finland Helsinki Helsinki Museum

National Museum of Finland

National Museum of Finland
About

The National Museum of Finland in Helsinki is the country’s premier museum of cultural history, tracing Finnish life from the Stone Age to the present. Housed in a striking National Romantic building designed by Gesellius, Lindgren, and Saarinen and opened in 1916, the museum’s architecture echoes Finland’s medieval churches and castles. Inside, visitors can explore permanent exhibitions covering over 10,000 years of history, including prehistoric artifacts, medieval treasures, coins, medals, folk culture, and objects from the Swedish and Russian periods. Highlights include the vaulted central hall adorned with Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s frescoes depicting scenes from the Kalevala epic, and a renowned collection of silver, jewelry, and weapons. The museum also features a notable collection of Dutch and Flemish art, and unique artifacts from the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings in Colorado. Although currently closed for renovation, the National Museum remains a vital institution for understanding Finland’s national identity and cultural heritage.

Helsinki Finland
Location

The National Museum of Finland is located at Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki, Finland. The museum is currently closed due to renovation and expansion, with an estimated reopening in spring 2027. Nearby attractions: Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art: A modern art museum featuring Finnish and international contemporary art, located about a 10-minute walk from the National Museum Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: An island museum showcasing traditional Finnish architecture and culture, about a 20-minute drive or bus ride away Tamminiemi: The former home of President Urho Kekkonen, now a museum, located about a 20-minute drive or bus ride away Helsinki City Centre: The vibrant heart of Helsinki, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options, about a 10-15 minute walk or metro ride away The National Museum's entrance hall features stunning ceiling frescoes depicting the Kalevala, Finland's national epic, painted by Akseli Gallén-Kallela.

Ateneum Art Museum Ateneum Art Museum Helsinki Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art Helsinki Designmuseo Designmuseo Helsinki Amos Rex Amos Rex Helsinki Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Helsinki Helsinki Cathedral Helsinki Cathedral Helsinki Uspenski Cathedral Uspenski Cathedral Helsinki Temppeliaukio Church Temppeliaukio Church Helsinki Parliament House Helsinki Parliament House Helsinki Helsinki Finlandia Hall Finlandia Hall Helsinki Esplanadi Park Esplanadi Park Helsinki Kaivopuisto Park Kaivopuisto Park Helsinki Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden Helsinki Sibelius Park Sibelius Park Helsinki Vanha Kauppahalli Vanha Kauppahalli Helsinki Kauppatori Kauppatori Helsinki Hietalahti Market Hall Hietalahti Market Hall Helsinki Löyly Löyly Helsinki Allas Sea Pool Allas Sea Pool Helsinki Kotiharjun Sauna Kotiharjun Sauna Helsinki Helsinki Music Centre Helsinki Music Centre Helsinki Finnish National Theatre Finnish National Theatre Helsinki Savoy Theatre Savoy Theatre Helsinki Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Helsinki Linnanmäki Amusement Park Linnanmäki Amusement Park Helsinki SkyWheel Helsinki SkyWheel Helsinki Helsinki

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