Skip to main content

The National Museum of Finland: Helsinki’s Gateway to the Past

Visit The National Museum of Finland in central Helsinki to explore the nation’s fascinating heritage and treasured artifacts.

The National Museum of Finland (Finnish: Suomen Kansallismuseo) is one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks. Located in the heart of Helsinki, it offers a fascinating overview of Finland’s history from prehistoric times to the modern day.

REKLAM ALANI 1

Even from the outside, the building makes a strong impression. Completed in the early 20th century, it was designed in the national romantic style and resembles a medieval castle with its tall tower and stone façade. Its elegant details and striking roofline make it a favorite stop for architecture lovers exploring Helsinki.

The National Museum of Finland Photos

❮ The impressive stone facade of the National Museum of Finland in Helsinki, with its distinctive red clock tower. Tram tracks and traffic lights run in front of the historic museum building, while the sky is clear and blue. ❯
Image Source: Ahavelaar / Canva
❮
The impressive stone facade of the National Museum of Finland in Helsinki, with its distinctive red clock tower. Tram tracks and traffic lights run in front of the historic museum building, while the sky is clear and blue.
Front view of the National Museum of Finland with its yellow facade and distinctive red and green clock tower under a gray, cloudy sky. Green bushes and a spacious courtyard are visible in the foreground.
The main entrance of the National Museum of Finland with its stone staircase, monumental facade, and visitors at the entrance. A banner with Finnish inscription hangs above the portal.
A low-angle photograph of the entrance tower of the National Museum of Finland in Helsinki. The stone facade details, ornate decorations, and the historic lantern hanging in the foreground are clearly visible.
A photograph taken inside the National Museum of Finland, showing a hall with an ornate wooden cabinet from bygone eras and large portrait paintings on the walls.
❯

* Note: The photos in this gallery have been cropped and/or resized. The images are used under the Creative Commons licenses specified in the original sources.

Inside, visitors usually find carefully curated exhibits on archaeology, folk traditions, art, and everyday Finnish life. These collections tell the story of how Finland evolved as a nation. However, the museum is currently closed for an extensive renovation and expansion project. The reopening is planned for spring 2027, when the renewed spaces will welcome visitors again.

Until then, travelers can still enjoy the view of the museum’s grand exterior. The bear statue at the entrance, a symbol of Finnish national identity, has become one of the most photographed spots in the city.

📌 Did You Know?
The museum houses one of Finland’s oldest maps — the famous “Carta Marina” from the 16th century, where the name of Finland appears for the first time.

Visiting Tips: Opening Hours, Entrance Fees and All Details

REKLAM ALANI 2

🏛️ Visitor Information

 

Opening Hours: 🕒

  • Currently closed for renovation and expansion
  • Reopening expected in spring 2027

Admission & Tickets: 🎟️

  • Currently no ticket sales (museum closed)
  • When open: adult, reduced, child, family & free under-18 options (subject to update)

Temporary Closure: 🚧

  • Closed since October 2023 for major renovation and new construction
  • Project expected to finish in early 2027
  • No access to indoor exhibition spaces during works

Visitor Guidelines: 📋

  • Check official website before planning your visit
  • Exterior visits allowed — interior currently inaccessible
  • Facilities such as café and shop will reopen later
  • Photography allowed outdoors; indoor rules to resume after reopening
⚠️ Note: Visiting days and opening hours may change, so please check the latest information on the museum’s official website before your visit.

Thanks to its central location on Mannerheimintie, the museum is easy to reach from the Helsinki Central Station. It also lies close to other cultural highlights such as the Ateneum Art Museum, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Finnish National Gallery — all popular with visitors who also search for these attractions when planning their trip.

For those wishing to explore more, combining a visit with a city tour is a great idea. Guided walks, food tours, or flexible hop-on hop-off bus routes make it simple to discover more of Helsinki’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Powered by GetYourGuide
📌 Did You Know?
Its archives also preserve early 20th-century sound recordings that capture old Finnish dialects, many of which have nearly disappeared today.

Even during its closure, The National Museum of Finland remains a symbol of the nation’s journey from tradition to modern life. Its presence in central Helsinki reminds visitors how Finnish identity continues to evolve. Many stop by to see how the old and the new exist side by side.

📌 Did You Know?
Among the highlights of the permanent exhibition is an authentic Viking treasure discovered in Satakunta, featuring jewelry pieces from the 11th century.

Hotels near the National Museum of Finland

If you’re planning to visit The National Museum of Finland and need accommodation nearby, you can find suitable hotel options using the form below.

BU YERE ÖZGÜ BOOKING OTEL ARAMA WIDGET

Map & Contact Information

CONTACT

Address:

Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Phone:

+358 29 5336000

Website:

https://www.kansallismuseo.fi/en/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the National Museum of Finland closed?

Yes. The main building is closed for renovation and expansion, with reopening planned for spring 2027.

Why is the National Museum of Finland closed?

It’s undergoing a major renovation and new annex project, the largest in its history. Reopening is slated for spring 2027.

Is the National Museum of Finland free?

When open, under-18s are free. Otherwise admission is ticketed; free Friday hours are not in effect while the museum is closed. Policies may be updated closer to reopening.

What is the National Museum of Finland full of?

Extensive collections: archaeology, historical and ethnological objects, ethnographic items, and Finland’s largest numismatic collection.

Does Kansallismuseo have a cafe or restaurant?

The building is closed now, so services are not operating. The new annex will include a restaurant pavilion and renewed café after reopening.

REKLAM ALANI 3

Nearby Attractions

Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church

Distance: 550 m
Walking time: 8 min
Kamppi Chapel of Silence in Helsinki

Kamppi Chapel

Distance: 850 m
Walking time: 11 min
Finnish National Opera

Finnish National Opera

Distance: 950 m
Walking time: 13 min
Ateneum Art Museum

Ateneum Art Museum

Distance: 1.1 km
Walking time: 15 min

Important Notice:

Any and all information presented on this website — including but not limited to location details, opening hours, and prices — is provided for general informational purposes only and may change without notice. Please refer to the official websites of each establishment for the most accurate and up-to-date details. We assume no responsibility for any changes.

Close Menu
* This website contains personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue our work and keep the content up to date for free.

* This website contains personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue our work and keep the content up to date for free.