KANSALLISMUSEO - FINNISH NATIONAL MUSEUM
This national museum is housed in a beautiful building that looks like a baroque church or fairy-tale castle. Built in 1910 according to the plans of the three famous architects, Eliel Saarinen, Armas Lindgren and Herman Gesellius, it is a good example of the Finnish Art Nouveau style. There are three departments: Prehistory, History from the Middle Ages to the present day and Ethnography, with a very important Finno-Ugric section (Hungarians, Volga peoples, Karelians, Sami and Eskimos). Admire the purple and gold throne of Tsar Alexander I, topped by the Russian double-headed eagle, and the salon with Gustavian-style furniture. On the first floor, a large collection of traditional clothing (Sames, Karelians, Vepsians and Votes). The latter two groups lived around Lake Ladoga, which was annexed by the Russians during the Second World War. The temporary exhibitions often showcase today's Finland. Although the collection is extremely rich, the scenography, which is very uneven, could do with a facelift. Also interesting interactive exhibition on the 3rd floor, the vintti workshop (literally attic), for young and old children to learn history while having fun.
The museum constantly hosts exciting temporary exhibitions. For example, "Ingrians. the Forgotten Finns" about the Finns of Ingria, the Finnish people of an ancient region, now in Russia, on the Gulf of Finland.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on KANSALLISMUSEO - FINNISH NATIONAL MUSEUM
