The building was designed by architect Helge Rancken and completed in 1937 to serve as a tennis and basketball venue.
It is one of the few remaining functionalist buildings in Helsinki that retains its original multi-use purpose, housing both the museum and a cinema.
HAM manages the 'Art Goes Underground' project, which integrates contemporary art into Helsinki’s metro stations.
The museum holds a permanent collection dedicated to the work of Finnish artist Tove Jansson, famous for creating the Moomins.
The building's interior features historical elements of the 1952 Olympic basketball arena, including preserved structural layouts.
The museum's holdings include pieces from the Pro Arte collection, which highlights Finnish art from the 20th century.
Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) is housed in the Tennis Palace, a building originally constructed to host basketball competitions for the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics. The museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, maintaining a significant collection of works owned by the city of Helsinki. It frequently features large-scale exhibitions that utilize the spacious, high-ceilinged galleries characteristic of the building's athletic origins. Beyond its temporary exhibition spaces, HAM oversees the city's public art collection, which includes over 500 statues and monuments located throughout the Finnish capital. The museum occupies several floors of the historic functionalist-style Tennis Palace. It often hosts international touring exhibitions alongside solo shows of prominent Nordic artists.
The minimalist, light-filled hallways with high ceilings offer excellent architectural photography opportunities.
Visit the Tove Jansson gallery to view her large-scale frescoes 'Party in the City' and 'Party in the Countryside'.
Check the museum's digital map of Helsinki's public art to locate sculptures near your hotel or walking route after your visit.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Kamppi district.
Do not mistake the museum entrance for the cinema entrance, as both share the same building.
Closed on Mondays.
Large backpacks and bags must be stored in provided lockers; photography is generally allowed for private, non-commercial use.
