Museum of Finnish Architecture
The basics
Design and architecture buffs will love the Museum of Finnish Architecture bookshop, home to gorgeous tomes on the work of modernist taste-shapers and less celebrated studios who continue to deliver Finland’s signature clean, clear style. Exhibition texts are all presented in English and most travelers will find these informative displays the highlight of the museum. Like many Design District museums, entry is included with the Helsinki Card, which comes in 24-, 48-, and 72-hour versions.
Things to know before you go
- There is a moderate charge for museum tickets.
- Children under 18 go free and there are changing facilities and potties in the bathrooms. Families with strollers should enter via the courtyard: Buzz for admission and use the ramp. The exhibition spaces on the upper floor, the most interesting part of the museum, have thresholds.
- Only the museum’s permanent collections have wheelchair access. There is an adapted bathroom in the basement but, at just 2 feet 10 inches (88 centimeters) wide and 3 feet 9 inches (115 centimeters) deep, the elevator will be too small for many chairs.
How to get there
The Museum of Finnish Architecture sits in the heart of Helsinki’s Design District, backing onto the Design Museum. You can walk to it from most inner-city sights, take a hop-on hop-off bus to the Helsinki Swedish Theatre, or catch tram 10 or bus 24 to St. John’s Church.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The museum is open from late morning until early evening Tuesday through Sunday, with later opening on Wednesdays. It closes for Finnish public holidays and occasional special events. Entry is free on the first Friday of the month, while in summer a temporary pavilion connects to the Design Museum.
Exploring Helsinki’s Design District
Helsinki’s Design District encompasses museums, boutiques, galleries, workshops, and eateries. Master Finnish modernism at the Design Museum and the Architecture Museum, shop brands including Marimekko (known for bold floral prints) and Alvar Aalto (Finland’s most famous architect and designer), or find a guide to get you access to smaller ateliers and workshops that independent travelers often miss.
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- Design Museum (Designmuseo)
- Port of Helsinki
- Helsinki Swedish Theatre
- Market Square (Kauppatori)
- Helsinki City Hall (Kaupungintalo)
- Sederholm House (Sederholmin Talo)
- Helsinki City Museum
- Café Ursula
- Helsinki Senate Square (Senaatintori)
- Flying Cinema Tour Of Helsinki
- Ateneum Art Museum (Konstmuseet Ateneum)
- Mannerheim Museum
- Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko)
- Sinebrychoff Art Museum (Sinebrychoffin Taidemuseo)
- Helsinki Central Station