The museum building was completed in 1910, reflecting the National Romantic movement's desire to use architectural elements inspired by medieval stone churches and castles.
The vaulted ceiling of the museum's entrance hall features frescoes by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, which are adaptations of the murals he painted for the Finnish Pavilion at the 1900 Paris World Fair.
The museum houses a 'Treasury' collection containing one of the most comprehensive collections of coins, medals, and orders in Finland.
Some of the church art on display, including medieval wooden sculptures, was collected from various rural churches across Finland to preserve them from decay.
The building's interior architecture was designed to resemble medieval Finnish stone churches, featuring thick walls and vaulted ceilings.
The museum's collections include significant artifacts from the indigenous Sámi people, documenting their history and culture in Northern Finland.
The National Museum of Finland, housed in a prominent National Romantic style building designed by Gesellius, Lindgren, and Saarinen, chronicles Finnish history from the prehistoric era to the present day. Its permanent exhibitions cover archeological findings, medieval church art, and the evolution of Finnish society through various eras, including the Swedish and Russian rule periods. The building itself is notable for its granite facade and soapstone carvings, with an entrance hall decorated by frescoes by Akseli Gallen-Kallela based on the Kalevala. The collection includes extensive ethnographic material, jewelry, weapons, and coins. A dedicated space, the 'Workshop Vintti,' provides an interactive environment for visitors to experiment with historical crafts and traditions. The museum underwent significant expansion, including the addition of an underground extension known as the 'Citizen's Wing' to improve accessibility and visitor services.
The main entrance hall with its vaulted, fresco-adorned ceilings.
Prioritize the medieval church art collection on the second floor, as it is widely considered the highlight of the museum's historical displays.
Use the free cloakroom and lockers to store heavy coats and bags, which is standard practice in Finnish museums during colder months.
Check the temporary exhibition schedule online before visiting, as these often occupy significant space in the new extension.
Trying to see every single artifact in one visit; the collection is extensive, so focus on the time periods that interest you most.
Closed on Mondays during the low season.
