We spent a day browsing the museums within the Finnish capital. And although it was tough, here are our top 3 picks of the best museums in Helsinki.
1. Ateneum
Ateneum is an art museum and one of the three museums forming the Finnish National Gallery. As well as Kiasma and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum which complete the trio.
It is located in the centre of Helsinki, on the south side of Rautatientori square, close to Helsinki Central railway station.
This museum holds the biggest and oldest collection of classical art in Finland. There are more than 4,300 paintings and more than 750 sculptures.
The collection grows each year through the museums own acquisitions and through donations.
For an inexpensive way to get all the facts the Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour covers the Ateneum Museum.
There is a restaurant-cafe that offers traditional Finnish bistro cuisine and a shop where you can pick up souvenirs as well as products related to the Ateneum’s art collections.
Visitors are welcome in the museum shop and cafe without viewing the exhibitions.
Opening Times:
Tue & Fri: 10am – 6pm
Wed & Thurs: 10am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Monday: Closed
Location:
Ateneum, Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki
2. Amos Rex Museum
Amos Rex is an art museum dedicated to publisher and arts patron Amos Anderson. It is tucked away underground in the ancient glass place in the heart of Helsinki.
It opened in August 2018 and welcomed more than 10,000 visitors in its first weeks.
Amos Rex’s exhibition programme extends from the newest, often experimental, contemporary art to 20th-century Modernism and ancient cultures.
Japanese art collective TeamLab opened the exhibitions in Helsinki.
The museum has a shop that has an inspiring book and magazine collection.
There are also half a dozen restaurants and cafes operating adjacent to the museum if you are looking for something to eat.
Opening Times:
Amos Rex is only open when hosting an exhibition.
You can find exhibition dates through the official Amos Rex website.
Location:
Amos Rex, Mannerheimintie 22-24, 00100 Helsinki
3. Kiasma
Kiasma is a contemporary art museum and another part of the Finnish National Gallery. It is responsible for the gallery’s contemporary art collection.
Don’t forget the Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour covers the Finnish National Gallery.
The collection includes works from more than 8,000 artists.
The building was designed by Steven Holl, who won an architectural design competition to design a building for the contemporary arts museum. The museum opened in May 1998.
Kiasma is Finnish for chiasma, a term that describes the crossing of nerves or tendons or the intertwining of two chromatids, the thread-like strands of a chromosome.
The Kiasma building itself is also a major architectural landmark, as well as one of the best museums in Helsinki.
You can drop in at the Kiasma Café while visiting the museum’s exhibitions or just pop in and try the delicious lunch and café specialities that are made on the premises.
In the summer the cafe opens it’s outside terrace at the foot of the equestrian statue of Marshal Mannnerheim, where you can sit in the sunshine and enjoy the bustle of the city.
Kiasma also has a shop that stocks a wide range of products related to current exhibitions. As well as books, Finnish design, distinctive jewellery and fun surprises for kids.
Opening Times:
Tues & Sat: 10am – 6pm
Weds, Thurs & Fri: 10am – 8.30pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Monday: Closed
Location:
Kiasma, Mannerheiminaukio 2, 00100 Helsinki
Where To Stay In Helsinki
Luxury – Hotel Kämp
Established in 1887 as Finland’s grand hôtel, Hotel Kämp is located in the heart of Helsinki opposite the beautiful Esplanade park.
The hotel features 179 spacious rooms, 15 of which are luxurious suites.
The spacious rooms combine historical elegance with high-quality facilities. All rooms feature comfortable beds, marble bathrooms and Chromecast-streaming systems.
Guests can also order in-room dining and enjoy the lovely view over the park, the city or the inner courtyard.
The Brasserie Kämp a la carte menu boasts a wide range of European dishes and an extensive list of beverages.
Mid-Budget – Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Featuring the Plaza Restaurant, this historical hotel from 1917 is next to Kaisaniemi Park, 150 yards from Helsinki Central Station.
All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker and Magic Dream beds with a pillow menu. All rooms also come with Finnish design items. Some rooms offer city views.
Free fitness centre access and modern air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi are all available.
Plaza Restaurant also serves drinks, while snacks and light dishes are available at the 24-hour lobby bar. Room service is also available all day long.
Budget – Eurohostel
Located on ’s Katajanokka island, this hostel is a 5-minute ride from the city centre.
Eurohostel’s fresh, simple rooms have shared bathroom facilities. Additional communal areas include kitchens and lounge rooms.
Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet onsite. Eurohostel’s lobby also has vending machines with drinks and snacks. T
he 24-hour reception sells city passes and tickets to attractions. Staff can also recommend area activities.
Kauppatori is ‘ walk away. It offers guest kitchens, free WiFi and a .
Bed sheets and towels are also inclusive of your stay.
For more places to stay in Helsinki, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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Trip sponsored by My Helsinki
@myhelsinki
www.myhelsinki.fi
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