Finland, a country that has flourished for more than five hundred years in the cold and barren north, has long since realised the value and importance of culture for the nation's identity. One of the most important repositories of culture and providers of source material is the Finnish National Museum, located in our capital Helsinki.
The National Museum was founded out of a desire to collect, preserve and study objects, documents and other materials of cultural and historical significance. It offers a cross-section of Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore the Iron Age, as well as the birth of independent Finland and the post-independence period.
The museum building itself is a work of art. It was designed by the architectural duo Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen. Their aim was to create a "sanctuary of the land of birth", which is what the National Museum really is. Its red brick façade, tower and frescoes of non-European art create a unique and impressive setting.
The museum offers a wide range of exhibitions and collections. Of particular interest are medieval church paintings, prehistoric artefacts and art from the National Romantic period. The museum also has temporary exhibitions on various themes of Finnish history and culture.
The dazzling range of objects and knowledge on offer at the National Museum of Finland makes it a must-visit destination for both Finnish and foreign cultural history lovers. It provides a valuable cross-section of Finland's multi-stage history and helps to understand where we Finns have come from and where we have developed over time.
To sum up, the National Museum of Finland is a real cultural treasure trove - for those who love art, history and culture. It offers an experience that continues to beat in the heart of everyone who enters through its doors. It is not only a museum, but also a door to the past, a mirror of our culture and a signpost to the future.
Museums are important institutions not only as transmitters of knowledge about history and cultural heritage, but also as a sign of our appreciation and respect for previous generations. The National Museum of Finland is an expression of this respect - a place where we can cherish our culture and our roots, while looking boldly to the future.