Museums are one of the most important ways to access a country's culture, history and art. Finland, known for its distinctive culture and rich history, offers a wide range of museums to suit every interest. This time our journey takes us to the heart of Helsinki, the National Museum of Finland.
The National Museum is located right in the centre of Helsinki, near the Temppeliaukio Church. Its architecture is a spectacular sight in itself, as the museum's Art Nouveau building is designed to resemble a medieval castle. But the building is only a small part of the whole experience. Inside the collection we can travel back in time, thousands of years, to explore Stone Age artefacts, medieval relics and 19th century art.
A visit to the National Museum highlights the diversity of Finnish culture. There are traces of both indigenous peoples, the Sámi, and more recent cultural influences. One of the museum's permanent exhibitions, Finnish Identity, seeks answers to the question of what Finnishness actually is.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of the National Museum is the Prehistory exhibition. This section offers the chance to get a glimpse of Finland's early history, from the time of the first hunter-gatherers. Looking at thousands of years old tools and weapons, it feels like time stands still.
A visit to the National Museum is not only a journey into the past, but also a moment to pause and reflect on where we come from and where we are going.
The National Museum of Finland is truly a window into the country's past and a glimpse into the future. It raises the question of how we want to remember and understand our culture, and what kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations. That is why a visit to a museum is much more than just a cultural experience - it is a deeply personal journey into one's own identity.
Summary
The National Museum of Finland is a fascinating place that offers an in-depth look at Finnish history and culture. Its stunning exhibitions combine echoes of the past with visions of the future. It's no surprise, then, that the National Museum is one of the most popular and important cultural attractions in Finland. It is a place where we Finns can understand ourselves better and give visitors a chance to see where a people so deeply connected to nature and history has come from.