What better way to learn about Finnish history and culture than to visit the National Museum of Finland in Helsinki? Not only does the museum tell the story of Finland's history, but it also creates a link between the past and the present, with collections from different eras.
The museum building itself is an impressive attraction. It was designed by the architectural trio Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen. The imposing Art Nouveau castle was opened to the public as early as 1916. On entering the museum, visitors are confronted with a highly reverent fresco of the Kalevala characters who have inspired Finnish culture for centuries.
The National Museum's collections include everything from Stone Age comb ceramics to 20th century design objects. The Valtakunta Hall is particularly impressive, offering a journey through Finnish history from the Middle Ages to the time of autonomy. Here you can see the princely costumes of the nobility, religious art from churches and a smorgasbord of everyday objects.
The museum also has a wonderful collection of prehistoric artefacts. These artefacts, found all over Finland, offer a glimpse into human life up to 10,000 years ago. They help us understand how people survived and adapted to life in the Arctic conditions of the North.
The National Museum of Finland offers a window on the past, and its collections are a testament to the resilience, creativity and community spirit of the Finnish people. Through it, we can better understand the culture, identity and values of contemporary Finland.
To sum up, the National Museum of Finland is a place that inspires and teaches us to appreciate Finnish culture and history. It is a place where the stories of the past come alive and become part of the present. Ultimately, a visit to a museum gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own identity and to better understand how we have come to where we are today.