Situated in the vibrant heart of Helsinki, just opposite the main railway station and surrounded by numerous hotels and shopping malls, the Ateneum Art Museum is the most visited museum in Finland. Ateneum is a revered institution both nationally and internationally, captivating hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with its enriching exhibitions.
Designed by the visionary architect Theodor Höijer, the Ateneum building itself is an iconic landmark, steeped in history and architectural splendour since its inauguration in 1888. Today, it continues to enchant patrons with its three floors of captivating exhibitions, inviting cafes, and a charming museum shop, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves fully in the artistic experience and spend as much time as they like exploring the museum. Tickets can be purchased online in advance in the website ticket shop, saving 2€ per ticket.
Explore Finland’s Largest Art Collection
As part of the esteemed Finnish National Gallery, Ateneum proudly houses Finland’s oldest and most extensive collection of art, spanning from the 18th century to the Modernist era. With nearly 30 000 national treasures in its collection, the museum offers a profound journey through Finnish artistic evolution.
The museum’s current collection, ‘A Question of Time,’ unveiled in April 2023, offers a thought-provoking exploration through four thematic lenses: The Age of Nature asks how nature is changing; Images of a People explores how Finnishness is portrayed; Modern Life delves into the experience of living in our modern era; and Art and Power scrutinises the dynamics of power within the realm of art.
Diving deeper into the artistic realm, visitors have the opportunity to explore various interactive experiences within Ateneum. From the informative self-guided Ateneum Audio Guide to the engaging Ateneum Game and the illuminating “Flow of Time” interactive timeline, there’s something to captivate every curiosity.
The main hall of Questions of Our Time will be renewed in spring 2026, with the first floor closing in May as the Art in Power theme concludes, before reopening in August 2026 as Modern Classics.
Discover Exhibitions at the Ateneum 2026
In addition to the museum’s collection exhibition, the Ateneum hosts significant temporary exhibitions annually. From March 13 to September 13, 2026, an exhibition spanning the entire career of Eero Nelimarkka offers a fresh perspective on one of Finland’s most popular artists, tracing his journey from modest beginnings in Vaasa to national acclaim. Best known for his South Ostrobothnian landscapes, Nelimarkka was also a master portraitist, creating powerful character studies and self-portraits alongside intriguingly simple yet atmospheric compositions influenced by magical realism. This is the first museum exhibition to present his career in full, featuring paintings alongside selected drawings and photographs, with works from the Finnish National Gallery complemented by significant loans from museums and private collections across Finland. Visitors are welcome to attend an exhibition intro on the third Sunday of the month. Intros are offered in four languages: Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian.
From August 18, 2026, to August 8, 2027, Modern Classics: Elga Sesemann highlights the work of Elga Sesemann, the first artist featured in the Finnish National Gallery’s Modern Classics series. A pioneering professional woman artist, Sesemann gained recognition with her first solo exhibition in Helsinki in 1945, and her expressive modernist works—once considered radical—have recently been rediscovered and embraced by new audiences.
From October 23, 2026, to February 28, 2027, Arcana Borealis – Northern Women and Esotericism explores how Northern women artists have, since the late 19th century, combined art with alternative spiritual currents while forming influential yet often overlooked networks across the Nordic region and beyond. Focusing on themes such as humanity’s relationship with nature and the universe, the connection between spirit and matter, and ideas of hidden knowledge, the exhibition brings together works by artists including Hilma af Klint, Anna-Eva Bergman, Elga Sesemann, Ellen Thesleff, and Outi Pieski, spanning more than a century and a wide range of artistic media.
A cultural journey for visitors spanning all ages
The Ateneum goes beyond showcasing art; it fosters a dynamic cultural experience for visitors of all ages. Throughout the year, especially tailored events for children add an extra dimension to the museum’s offerings. Moreover visitors can join exhibition introductions specifically tailored to to the temporary exhibition and guided tours of the collection exhibition, all available in Finnish, Swedish, English, and Russian, ensuring a truly immersive experience for all.
Children’s Ateneum – Eero Nelimarkka invites young visitors to explore Nelimarkka’s world by viewing selected paintings via a dedicated page on the Ateneum website, discussing what’s happening in the images, following the slipper symbols along the Children’s Path on the 3rd floor, and remembering that artworks are meant to be looked at, not touched.
Indulge in Finnish Cuisine at Ateneum
Visitors who get peckish during their visit will find the Ateneum Bistro on the ground floor, serving Finnish delicacies, as well as lunch, à la carte and a very popular afternoon tea. On the third floor, Café Höijer is open during the temporary exhibitions staged there. Café Höijer offers classic café products served to table. In addition to small savoury and sweet items, the café offers a diverse selection of wines and coffees. On the ground floor, and in the courtyard, the Ateneum Museum shop features a wide range of souvenirs and products related to the Ateneum’s art collections and temporary exhibitions as well as publications, postcards, cards, and gifts.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere – Engaging Activities for Children
The Ateneum Museum is especially for families and children, with free admission for all under 18 years. Located on the second floor, the Studio is for visitors of all ages to draw, rest, read, do puzzles, or simply hang out in the space.
Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or a curious explorer, a visit to Ateneum promises an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of Finnish art and culture, right in the heart of Helsinki.
