Ateneum: Finland's national art gallery

Ateneum is Finland's national art gallery and the largest art museum in Helsinki. It is located in the heart of the city, in a beautiful Art Nouveau building designed by Eliel Saarinen. The museum houses a collection of over 43,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. I try to make sure to check out all Ateneum's exhibitions because they never disappoint me.


History of the museum

Ateneum was founded in 1886, and it originally housed the Finnish Art Society's collection of art. The museum was opened to the public in 1888, and it quickly became a popular destination for art lovers.

In the early 20th century, Ateneum expanded its collection to include works of art from outside of Finland. The museum also began to host temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Today, Ateneum is one of the most important art museums in Finland. The museum's collection includes works by some of the most famous Finnish artists, such as Albert Edelfelt, Helene Schjerfbeck, and Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The museum also has a significant collection of international art, including works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Vincent van Gogh.

Past and upcoming exhibitions

Ateneum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. The museum's exhibitions feature both Finnish and international art, and they cover a wide range of periods and styles.

Some of the most popular exhibitions at Ateneum in recent years have included:

  • Albert Edelfelt: A Life in Art (2022-2023)
  • Helene Schjerfbeck: Beyond the Surface (2021-2022)
  • Akseli Gallen-Kallela: The Art of the Kalevala (2020-2021)
  • The Golden Age of Finnish Art (2019-2020)

Upcoming exhibitions at Ateneum include:

  • The Modern Woman: Finnish Women Artists 1880-1930 (2023-2024)
  • Finnish Landscape Painting: From the National Romantic Period to the Present Day (2024-2025)
  • Picasso and the North: The Influence of Nordic Art on Picasso (2025-2026)


Café and restaurant

Ateneum has a café and restaurant on the first floor. The café serves a variety of coffees, teas, and pastries. The restaurant serves a variety of Finnish and international dishes.

The café and restaurant are a great place to relax and enjoy a meal or drink after visiting the museum. The café also has a terrace, which is a great place to enjoy a sunny day in Helsinki.

Ateneum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Finnish art. The museum's collection is world-class, and its exhibitions are always informative and engaging. The café and restaurant are also a great place to enjoy a meal or drink before or after visiting the museum.


Location: Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki, Suomi

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