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Museums #27 in Helsinki

Helsinki City Museum

4.4 · 2,974 reviews
Welcoming and community-focused
Helsinki City Museum, Aleksanterinkatu 16-18, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Interesting facts
1

The museum is housed in the Sederholm House, which is the oldest stone building in central Helsinki, dating back to 1757.

2

The museum holds a massive archive of over 1.5 million photographs, the oldest of which date back to the mid-19th century.

3

The 'Time Machine' exhibit uses projection technology to simulate walking through 1930s Helsinki streets.

4

Children's Town includes a replicated 18th-century shop and a 1930s-style school classroom for interactive play.

5

The museum's collection includes items recovered from the site of the former Imperial Russian military barracks.

Overview

The Helsinki City Museum is located in the oldest part of the city, encompassing five historic buildings on the corner of Senate Square. The museum focuses on the everyday life and experiences of Helsinki residents throughout history rather than elite history. It features the 'Children's Town,' a permanent interactive exhibition designed for younger visitors to learn through play. Visitors can explore the 'Helsinki Bites' exhibition, which provides a comprehensive overview of the city's evolution from a small town to a capital. The museum complex houses a diverse collection of over a million photographs and nearly half a million objects. A dedicated room, 'Time Machine,' uses immersive technology to transport visitors to various historical iterations of the city. The museum is renowned for its accessibility and has consistently maintained free entry for all visitors. It serves as a community hub, regularly hosting temporary exhibitions that address contemporary urban themes.

Photo spot

The restored 18th-century wooden interiors of the Sederholm House.

Insider tips

Visit the interior courtyard, which offers a quiet, protected space often missed by tourists.

Prioritize the interactive 'Time Machine' exhibit as it requires a short wait during peak hours.

Check the digital community board for rotating temporary exhibitions that often feature local photography.

What to avoid

Assuming it is a traditional art museum; it is a social history museum focused on urban life.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid large school groups in the Children's Town section.
Address
Helsinki City Museum, Aleksanterinkatu 16-18, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
60.169, 24.954
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsChildren's Town, Time Machine, Sederholm House

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid large school groups in the Children's Town section..

The restored 18th-century wooden interiors of the Sederholm House.

Close by you'll find Esplanadi, Uspenski Cathedral, Art Museum Ateneum.