The best museums Helsinki

This museum evokes the life of the Finns of the past. Farms and houses from different parts of Finland are reconstructed on this pleasant land. We walk from one to the other to discover the interiors of these dwellings, which are striking for the beautiful simplicity of their interior decoration, centred around enclosed beds and wall carpets (ryiji). Very characteristic, a large traditional Karelian log house. During the tourist season, a musician even plays the kantele. The large 18th-century state residence, entirely made of wood, houses interesting Gustavian-style furniture (Gustav III, King of Sweden, corresponds to the French Louis XV). See also the small and very Spartan hut where Aleksis Kivi wrote his novel The Seven Brothers. Religious service on Sundays in a small 17th century wooden church where, as wall lights, a row of carved wooden arms carry candles. Also take a trip to the old smoke sauna and the old mill. Objects remind us of the years of great misery and famine, such as shoes made of braided birch bark. Please note that the museum is only open from May 15 to September 15. On site, for those who want, guided tours (in English) are available from June 15 to August 15, every day at 3pm. Bar and restaurant are available for a break during the walk. The museum also has a nice souvenir shop.

At the beginning of 2018, the Amos Andersson Museum moved to historic buildings dating from 1936 that have been completely restored. If the BBC and the Guardian have named it among the most interesting museums in the world, it is not usurped! Indeed, you will discover on 200 ^m2 three exhibitions per year which are most often on the Contemporary or Modern Art themes. Part of the museum offers to see or review historical films, sometimes in French. The programme of exhibitions and films shown is on the website.

This museum traces the history of the fortress from the 18th century to the present day: in particular its construction and the life of the naval base and garrison. Every 30 minutes, the Suomenlinna Experience film is screened in the auditorium, 9 languages are available including French. This is a 25-minute historical film on the big screen that sums up the entire history of the Suomenlinna fortress. This gives a good understanding of the past of this site and its issues in particular. Open all year round, it's free with the Helsinki Card.

This interesting museum, renovated in 2008, reveals the mysteries of flora and fauna through four permanent exhibitions (Finnish Nature, Nature of the World, History of Life and History of Bones) as well as temporary exhibitions. The Kaisaniemi and Kumpula botanical gardens and the mineral cabinet (^3rd floor of the Arppeanum, Snellmaninkatu 3) are extensions of the museum. Tip: it's free for a few days a year (see website).

A museum that traces the history of Finnish sport through numerous exceptional objects from all eras. You'll find Olympic medals, a crystal globe, autographed soccer shirts (such as Jari Litmanen's) and video documents from the era. The visit is also suitable for younger visitors, thanks to the many play facilities available on site. The tour can be combined with a visit to the Olympic Stadium Tower.

The museum strives to push back the traditional boundaries of art museums by continuously following the development of the visual arts: originality and novelty are the watchwords of its exhibitions. The museum presents post-1960 contemporary collections in a superb building completed in 1998 to designs by Steven Holl: paintings, media works, spatial works and photographs. On several floors, white predominates, with an exceptional emphasis on natural light and remarkable work on volumes. Every year, the museum acquires around a hundred new works by Finnish and foreign artists. Room X showcases the most recent works, while the Printti section gives pride of place to the graphic arts. The first floor features a pleasant café-restaurant with wi-fi. Kiasma also has an auditorium where events are regularly presented in connection with all contemporary forms of performing arts (dance, theater, music), often in collaboration with festivals. The exhibition schedule is available on their website, as are theater and performance programs. Don't miss the official website to find out what's on, which is always surprising, exciting and attractive. Finland's most visited museum! Free with Helsinki Card and every first Friday of the month.

This fun-filled family museum tells the story of the passionate relationship between Helsinki and its tramway, from its origins to the present day. An original way to learn about the city's development and its unique character. Relatively small, it's well suited to younger visitors, with its many interactive panels. You can play streetcar driver and imagine yourself traveling on these big machines every day. Free of charge, it's the perfect way to spend a little time.

This superb 1960s house, the work of architect Viljo Revell, houses a beautiful little private museum of modern and pre-Columbian art, hidden away on an island off Töölö Bay. It's easily reached by bike or bus, as the island is linked to the mainland by a bridge. Marie-Louise and Gunnar Didrichsen accumulated such an artistic heritage that they had to extend their private home and convert part of it into a museum. Today, exhibitions of contemporary art are held here. Permanent exhibitions of pre-Columbian art are housed in the basement. The park surrounding the house is home to a number of modern sculptures, including the largest collection of Henry Moore's work outside the UK. The museum's architecture is truly remarkable. The Didrichsens had originally approached Alvar Aalto to build their home, but he turned them down for lack of time, recommending Viljo Revell as the only architect capable of building their dream home. The museum's interior has kept some of the house's rooms intact. The living room, with its art library, enchants the mind with its large bay window overlooking the pine trees and pebble beach below. The bathroom, dining room and bedrooms are surprising in their modest size and simplicity. During the Didrichsen couple's lifetime, this rationalist architectural jewel was already giving pride of place to works of art.

On the ^8th floor of the Arabia factory and stores, you'll find this museum. It provides information on the history of the Arabia and Iittala brands, and showcases the work of influential designers such as Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Rut Bryk and Tapio Wirkkala. Occasional thematic exhibitions are also organized. On the same site, one floor down, you can visit "The Design Lab Gallery", a space open to artists who can work, experiment..

A small family museum well worth a visit. The display cases showcase toys from the late ^19th century to the 1960s: a fine collection of dolls, teddy bears, toy soldiers, wooden horses and baby carriages - not forgetting, of course, the Moumines house! On your way out of the museum, stop off at Café Samovarbar to try their tasty cakes and hot chocolates, to prolong your return to childhood in this dolls' house atmosphere!

Housed in one of the beautiful red brick buildings of the former cable factory, this museum is dedicated to Finnish (and international) photography, with temporary exhibitions of consistently high quality. A second site, in the Kämp shopping center, presents temporary exhibitions that are renewed three times a year. Two visits that complement each other and offer a sharp look at the photographic work of Scandinavian artists.

At the top of a long street stands the Erottaja fire station, in operation since 1891. Designed by Theodor Höijer, it looks like a red-brick castle, with its main tower - a watchtower to keep an eye out for any sign of fire. One of the wings now houses the firefighters' museum, displaying trucks and equipment, as well as the history of the biggest fires to hit the city. An original museum to make children's eyes shine!

In this typical garrison house, you'll discover a preserved interior, an exhibition of weapons paintings and model ships. It's a small, short visit, but one that offers an unusual, period view of a relatively little-known side of Suomenlinna. There are also some fine ship parts on display. The building, however, is charming, as are the surroundings. A welcome break after a long day's sightseeing.

Just a hundred meters from the Design Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture houses an extensive collection of archives and documents. Photographs, articles, books, models and films introduce visitors to the achievements of architects of the past (Eliel Saarinen, Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren) as well as those of more contemporary architects such as Alvar Aalto and Reima Pietilä. Plus: a play area for children.

The museum collects the memories of Marshal Mannerheim, a true national hero. The Generalissimo was elected Regent of Finland in 1918 after the victory over the Bolsheviks. He will also lead the heroic resistance of the Finns against the Russians. Part of the furniture and exhibits came from his Warsaw home. Memories also of travels, many portraits of ancestors... Reconstructions of the St. Petersburg and Warsaw salons, made up of precious objects and rare pieces, complete the picture.

Owned by the Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation, the museum is located in the former home of its donors, in Kuusisaari, west of Helsinki. A successful banker and renowned art collector, Ane Gyllenberg (1891-1977) collected works by leading Finnish artists. The museum was renovated in spring 2013 and regularly transforms itself into a choice classical concert venue. Once a year, a temporary exhibition takes place here. A bucolic, pastoral visit as much as a real trip back in time!

This art museum presents works from the "People of Helsinki" collection, as well as temporary exhibitions of exceptional quality. The permanent collection features a large number of paintings, while the temporary exhibitions are an integral part of the Biennial, highlighting major names on the contemporary art scene. The scenography is modern and inventive, and some of the HAM's 9,000 works can be found in the city of Helsinki. It's a great way to learn in the fresh air. A must-see!

The museum presents the history of the country's main industries (metal, chemistry, wood, construction, mining), but also communications, information technology and electrical energy. Ideal to understand the real passion of the Finns for technology. It is the only general technology museum in the country. It is located next to the small falls of the Vantaa River, since it is in an old hydraulic factory dating back more than 150 years.