The Nordic Nomad

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki’s 5 best art museums (and what artworks to see)

The Nordics • See & do • Helsinki’s 5 best art museums (and what artworks to see)

The full list of art museums to explore while in Helsinki

Looking for the best art museums in Helsinki, Finland? The Finnish capital has so many art museums with everything from Renaissance masters to the newest contemporary works that it can be difficult to decide which to visit first. Find out which art museums in Helsinki we think are the best right now, as well as our picks for what pieces of art to look for.

Amos Rex

Amos Rex, a modern art museum beneath Helsinki’s Lasipalatsi, features domed, underground galleries designed by JKMM Architects. Opened in 2018, it showcases contemporary and modernist art, including pieces from the Sigurd Frosterus collection. Notable exhibitions have included teamLab’s immersive ’Massless’ and Bill Viola’s ’Inner Journey’. The playful architecture, with its skylights and undulating forms, creates a dynamic public space above ground. Hanging out around these architectural features adds to the cultural experience, making Amos Rex a vibrant hub for art and urban culture in Helsinki that we always make sure to drop by.

Amos Rex
Mannerheimintie 22-24
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Amos Rex

Kiasma

Kiasma, Helsinki’s Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Steven Holl and opened in 1998, is renowned for its flowing, intersecting lines that create a dynamic, multi-level space. The museum features over 8,800 contemporary works, focusing on Finnish and international art. Notable exhibitions have included ’Transcendence’, exploring spirituality through immersive installations, and ’Urban Futures’, which examined urbanisation’s impacts via multimedia works. A personal favourite experience at Kiasma is participating in their interactive art workshops. Whether trying out new artistic techniques or engaging in thought-provoking discussions during guided tours, we always leave inspired.

Kiasma
Mannerheiminaukio 2
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Kiasma

Ateneum

Ateneum, Finland’s premier art museum, is housed in an impressive 1887 building designed by Theodor Höijer. It boasts the nation’s oldest and most extensive collection, featuring nearly 30,000 pieces from the 18th century to Modernism. Renowned for its Finnish art, Ateneum also showcases international works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. One unique aspect of Ateneum is its grand central staircase, flanked by sculptures of Raphael, Phidias and Bramante, offering a majestic entryway into the museum’s historic and cultural treasures. We love the serene courtyard, a perfect spot for contemplation amidst classical statues and architectural beauty.

Ateneum
Kaivokatu 2
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Ateneum

HAM Helsinki Art Museum

HAM, the Helsinki Art Museum, is a vibrant cultural hub located in the historic Tennis Palace. With a collection exceeding 10,000 works, it includes notable public artworks scattered throughout the city. HAM showcases both domestic and international modern and contemporary art. Prominent past exhibitions have included Ai Weiwei’s compelling installations and an extensive display dedicated to Tove Jansson, featuring her iconic frescoes ’Party in the City’ and ’Party in the Countryside’. HAM’s involvement in the Helsinki Biennial further highlights its commitment to dynamic, contemporary exhibitions. Be sure to visit the museum’s restrooms, where Tuula Lehtinen’s interactive mosaic installation, ’You don’t know how beautiful you are’, offers a whimsical, immersive experience.

HAM Helsinki Art Museum
Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of HAM Helsinki Art Museum

Kunsthalle Helsinki

Kunsthalle Helsinki, founded in 1928, is a prominent exhibition space in Helsinki’s art scene, known for its striking 1920s Nordic Classicism architecture by Jarl Eklund and Hilding Ekelund. This non-profit institution hosts a number of major exhibitions annually, focusing on contemporary art, design and architecture, without maintaining a permanent collection. The gallery’s interiors were designed to enhance functionality, featuring high windows that flood the rooms with natural light. A unique aspect of Kunsthalle Helsinki is its collaboration with the Finnish Art Society, which supports emerging Finnish artists through dedicated exhibitions. Be sure to explore the Kioski shop and the modern Finnish cuisine at the on-site restaurant Finnjävel during your visit.