Ateneum

At the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki, you can walk through galleries filled with Finnish masterpieces like Albert Edelfelt's "The Luxembourg Garden" and Akseli Gallen-Kallela's "Aino Triptych". The Neo-Renaissance building near Helsinki Central Railway Station houses more than 20,000 works, ranging from 18th-century rococo portraits to 20th-century experimental art.

Collection Highlights

You'll find three centuries of Finnish art history in the permanent collection, with works from the 1750s to the 1950s. The museum displays over 650 international pieces alongside Finnish art. Look for Hugo Simberg's "Wounded Angel" and Eero Järnefelt's "Under the Yoke", which capture Finnish landscapes and cultural scenes. The museum changes its displayed works several times per year.

The Historic Building

Architect Theodor Höijer completed the Ateneum in 1887. The building's facade includes statues and stone reliefs, with three prominent busts above the main entrance depicting artists Bramante, Raphael, and Phidias. Tall windows illuminate the gallery spaces with daylight. The former courtyard is now a glass atrium where you can rest and meet others.

Planning Your Visit

Visit Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, and weekends from 10:00 to 17:00. Entry costs €22 at the ticket office or €20 online, with free admission for visitors under 18. You can rent audio guides to learn about current exhibitions like "Gothic Modern" and "A Question of Time". The museum calendar includes workshops, lectures, and performances.

Museum Amenities

The Ateneum Bistro operates during museum hours. The museum shop sells art books, prints, and items related to current exhibitions. You can browse the museum's digital collection on their website, including copyright-free works available for download. Enter through a dedicated entrance on Ateneuminkuja if you need step-free access.