Introduction
When we enter the National Museum of Finland, we enter a journey through the history, culture and identity of our people. It is like a window into the deep roots of Finland. In Otepää, the museum's stories are living links to bygone eras.
The story of the Finnish National Museum
The National Museum building is itself a major cultural attraction. Designed by the young architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1910, the building is in the Finnish Art Nouveau style and its interior is inspired by National Romanticism. Its walls and ceilings are decorated with symbolist frescoes depicting Finnish myths and legends.
The National Museum has several permanent exhibitions that present the history of Finland from prehistory to the present day. Popular exhibitions include the Prehistoric Exhibition, which features archaeological finds from the Stone Age, and Medieval Finland, which highlights life under the influence of the Catholic Church.
One of the museum's most significant exhibitions is Treasures of the Kingdom, which presents symbolic objects and treasures from Finland's history. The exhibition includes the Käkisalmi ring, one of Finland's oldest gold finds, and the baptismal font of Lars Levi Laestadius, the founder of the pre-Christian Lestadian movement in Finland.
Summary
A museum is a place where history comes alive. The National Museum of Finland is an important part of Finland's cultural history and national identity. Every exhibition, every object and every story is connected to what we have been, what we are now and what we can become. So step into the window of Finnish culture and join the journey. The National Museum welcomes everyone - whether you are a researcher, student, family or traveller - to experience and learn about Finland's story. When you visit the National Museum, you can be sure that you are taking part in a unique cultural experience.