Finland, known as the land of a thousand lakes, offers tourists and domestic audiences a diverse selection of museums covering a wide range of themes: history, art, architecture, nature and science are all represented.
Museums combine the whiff of history with contemporary experiences. They are places where we can explore the past, seek connections to the present, and envision the future. Finnish museums are stages for stories through which we Finns define ourselves, the world around us and our place in it. They are living learning environments that offer the joy of discovery to people of all ages.
There are almost a thousand museums in Finland. The largest magnet for the public is the National Museum of Helsinki, which covers the history of Finland from the Ice Age to the present day. Its exhibitions meet the everyday life of prehistoric man and the challenges of modern man. On the other hand, there are also gems of small towns, such as the Porvoo Museum, which is housed in a charming 1700s Rococo-style building. The museum field also includes large art and design museums, natural history museums, industrial and agricultural museums and various specialty museums – there is something for everyone.
A visit to a museum is like a trip through time. It opens doors to the past world and offers an opportunity to peek into different worlds of thought. Museums are also part of the present day – they are places where people come to enjoy art, spend time and meet people.
To sum up, Finnish museums are more than just places for preserving objects: they are meeting places for science, art, culture and entertainment. They offer a journey into the past, a bridge to the present, and a view into the future. They are part of the story of our people and part of our identity. So get to know your local museum or take a museum tour around Finland – there is plenty to see and do!