National Museum of Finland
Explore Finland's captivating history, from ancient artifacts to modern icons, within a stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry & fewer crowds
National Museum of Finland
Best Time
Free entry & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Finland's captivating history, from ancient artifacts to modern icons, within a stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece.
"A must-visit for first-time visitors keen to understand Finland's past and culture."
Check Renovation Status
Museum is closed for renovation until 2027. Verify opening status before visiting!
Free Friday Entry
Enjoy free admission on Fridays from 4-6 PM. Perfect for budget travelers!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stone Age Treasures
Prehistory Exhibition
Discover ancient artifacts like the sacred bear effigies and the Elk's Head of Huittinen, offering a glimpse into early Finnish life.
Medieval & Early Modern Finland
Medieval Treasures Exhibition
Explore coins, jewelry, and weaponry that narrate Finland's journey through the Middle Ages and into the early modern period.
20th Century Finland
Modern Finland Exhibition
Trace Finland's path to independence and its development through the 20th century with compelling exhibits and personal stories.
Finnish Heavy Metal
Special Exhibition Area
Experience a unique look at the cultural phenomenon of Finnish heavy metal music and its impact on national identity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Renovation Alert!
Free Fridays & Ticket Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Renovation Status
Museum is closed for renovation until 2027. Verify opening status before visiting!
Free Friday Entry
Enjoy free admission on Fridays from 4-6 PM. Perfect for budget travelers!
Allow Ample Time
Plan for 3-4 hours to fully appreciate the rich collections.
English Descriptions Available
All exhibit descriptions are in English, making it easy for international visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Renovation Status
Museum is closed for renovation until 2027. Verify opening status before visiting!
Free Friday Entry
Enjoy free admission on Fridays from 4-6 PM. Perfect for budget travelers!
Allow Ample Time
Plan for 3-4 hours to fully appreciate the rich collections.
English Descriptions Available
All exhibit descriptions are in English, making it easy for international visitors.
Utilize Lockers
Free lockers are available in various sizes to store your belongings. :handbag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of Finland for its rich and varied collections, offering deep insights into Finnish history and culture. Many highlight the engaging exhibits, clear English descriptions, and the architectural beauty of the building itself. While the current renovation means a temporary closure, anticipation for its 2027 reopening is high.
"I visited the place in 2023 and it was a very good experience. There were lots of things to see and read/ learn. I would recommend it to everyone. The price is reasonable!"
Drilon Morina
"The collection is rich, varied and there is so much to learn and discover…We spent over three hours in the museum and did not even stop to read everything, and neither used the audio guides.
It is my first time in Finland and I have no knowledge of its history and culture. The items and the rooms’ introduction panels gave me many insights without being boring lecture.
Looking forward to its re-opening in 2027!"
Deborah L.
"We only had a couple of hours to see Finland. So my partner recommended this museum as a great option. We both enjoy museums. ,☺ I was very impressed with all the details and different interpretations of languages. They have a cafe downstairs and 2 sets of bathrooms.
The museum was very informative about Finland's history from 1917 to 2017. Could have used a little bit more time but it was a great visit. 👍"
Christina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Museum of Finland is centrally located in Helsinki. You can easily reach it by public transport, including trams and buses that stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from many central Helsinki locations.
While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public parking facilities are available in the vicinity. It's often more convenient to use public transportation due to the central location.
Yes, the National Museum of Finland is within walking distance of many central Helsinki attractions, making it easily accessible on foot.
Trams and buses are excellent options for reaching the museum. Check local Helsinki public transport schedules for the most convenient routes from your location.
The closest major train station is Helsinki Central Railway Station, from which you can easily walk or take a short tram ride to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard ticket price is around 11€. However, the museum offers free entry on Fridays from 4 PM to 6 PM, making it a great option for budget-conscious visitors.
Yes, the National Museum of Finland offers free admission every Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM.
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or on free Friday evenings to ensure entry.
The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM. However, it is currently closed for renovation and expected to reopen in 2027. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Information on specific discounts for students or seniors can be found on the museum's official website. It's always best to check for current offers before your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 3-4 hours exploring the museum's extensive collections. Enthusiasts of art and history might spend up to 4 hours.
Yes, all exhibit descriptions and informational panels are available in English, ensuring a comprehensive experience for international visitors.
The museum houses a vast collection spanning from the Stone Age to the present day, including prehistoric artifacts, medieval treasures, and 20th-century icons. 
Yes, there is a cafe located downstairs where you can enjoy refreshments.
Yes, the museum provides lockers of various sizes for visitors to store their belongings securely. :handbag:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted. It's always best to check for specific signage in exhibition areas. :camerawithflash:
The Art Nouveau architecture of the building itself is very photogenic. Exhibits featuring unique artifacts like the Elk's Head of Huittinen also make for striking images.
Visiting on weekday mornings or during the free Friday hours (4-6 PM) can offer fewer crowds, making it easier to capture photos without many people in the background.
While personal photography is usually permitted, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always adhere to museum guidelines. :iphone:
Searching hashtags like #NationalMuseumFinland on Instagram or TikTok can provide inspiration from other visitors' photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1When planning your visit, consider the museum's cafe for a break, and utilize the available lockers to keep hands free for exploring. The museum's central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Helsinki. Always check the museum's official website for any family-specific programming or educational resources that might be available upon reopening.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the ticket price, consider packing your own snacks or utilizing the museum's cafe for more affordable refreshment options. The museum's central location also means you can easily walk or use public transport, saving on transportation costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Finnish History
+1The medieval period is brought to life through displays of coins, jewelry, and weaponry, illustrating Finland's connections to broader European trade routes and political landscapes. As you move into the modern era, the museum delves into Finland's journey towards independence, its role in global conflicts, and its development into a contemporary nation. The exhibits are designed to be engaging, with detailed descriptions in English and interactive elements that make learning accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Beyond the historical timelines, the museum also hosts special exhibitions that explore unique facets of Finnish culture. A notable example is the exhibition dedicated to Finnish heavy metal, a genre that has gained significant international recognition and is deeply intertwined with modern Finnish identity.
This diverse range of exhibits ensures that every visitor can find something to connect with, making the National Museum of Finland a vital destination for understanding the soul of the nation.Architectural Gem: Eliel Saarinen's Masterpiece
+1Visitors often remark on the museum's impressive architecture, noting how it complements the historical treasures housed within. The interior spaces are as thoughtfully designed as the exterior, with high ceilings and elegant detailing that create an atmosphere of reverence for the artifacts on display. The building's design reflects a national romantic aesthetic, incorporating elements that celebrate Finnish heritage and nature.
Even when the museum is undergoing renovations, the exterior of the building is worth admiring. Its presence adds to the cultural richness of the area, and many visitors find it to be a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
![Finlandia Hall - Finlandia Hall is a congress and event venue in the centre of Helsinki on the Töölönlahti Bay, owned by the City of Helsinki. Finlandia Hall features an optical illusion[citation needed]: the National Museum building on the other side of the street seems to rise from the edge of the Finlandia Hall tower. The effect is created by a black trapezium on the white marble surface of the Finlandia Hall tower. The trapezium has been measured to fit the rising tower of the National Museum when the Finlandia Hall is viewed from the eastern shore of the Töölönlahti Bay.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1622914844435-a8be63fa3403%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxGaW5sYW5kaWElMjBIYWxsfGVufDB8MHx8fDE3NTgwMTYwODN8MA%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=3840&q=75)
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit