Art Museums and exhibitions in Finland 2025
This article introduces fascinating art museums located around Finland highlighting their exhibitions.
Turku Art Museum
Located right in the heart of Turku, in scenic Puolalanpuisto park, the Turku Art Museum has played a significant role in Finnish art life since 1904. The granite building of Turku Art Museum, designed by professor Gustaf Nyström, is a fine example of the national romantic style and has been chosen as the most beautiful building in Turku and a popular attraction on its own.
Turku Art Museum’s versatile exhibition program introduces visitors to the fascinating world of art, from iconic pieces to the very latest contemporary artworks. Alongside its rich exhibition programme, the museum also stages events presented in a beautiful setting that invites interaction and relaxation. You can stop by the atmospheric Café Victor for a coffee, and in the summer one of the city’s most stunning terraces offers a view over the city.
The museum’s collection focuses on Finnish and Nordic visual art. The collection is especially known for the golden age of Finnish art, Finnish surrealism and pop art, as well as self-portraits. Today, the museum’s collection includes almost 7,600 works, and part of the collection is constantly on display in the museum’s changing collection exhibitions.
Gunnel Wåhlstrand – 6 June – 14 September 2025
Gunnel Wåhlstrand, one of Sweden’s most prominent contemporary artists, is known for her large-scale ink-wash paintings that depict memories, people, and landscapes with photographic precision and poetic sensitivity. Her works are rooted in her own personal history and explore memory, the connections between past and present, and the quiet depths of human existence.
Roland Persson – The Composition – 6 June – 14 September 2025
Roland Persson is known for his impressive silicone sculptures, which he casts in moulds made from real objects. The combination of coloured silicone paste and casting is at once sculptural and painterly, rendering the details of the work stunningly illusory. The deep knowledge and complete mastery of the technique is the result of decades of collaboration with the chosen material.
Juliana Huxtable – Pretty Canary – 6 June – 14 September 2025
American artist, poet, musician and DJ Juliana Huxtable uses painting, photography, video, performance, music and writing in her interdisciplinary practice that plays with language, imagination and performativity. More recently, her visual works have combined cartoonishness, interspeciesism, body painting and posing for the camera, as well as explored queer desire and gaze through a celebration of the body in an often overtly feminine and sexualised performance.
What (a) Colour – from 26.11.2024
Colour is one of art’s key means of expression, operating within a register of perception, physical experience and cultural conventions. It has proven impossible to define it exhaustively, but the power of colour always tempts us to rethink. The exhibition features works from the collection of the Turku Art Museum and explores how to interpret the meaning of colour in visual art in the light of recent art research. The gaze wanders across the spectrum of the Golden Age of Finnish art, modernism and contemporary art.
Moomin Museum
The world’s only Moomin Museum in Tampere is an experiential art museum that attracts Moomin aficionados and art lovers of all ages. In the Moomin museum, you will get to know the beloved stories of the Moomins with Tove Jansson’s original illustrations, you can step into the magician’s hat and experience the magic of Moomin Valley, explore detailed Moomin drawings and see a sparkling comet flying through space. In the museum’s Studio, museum visitors can roll up their sleeves and make things. You can easily spend an hour or two in the museum, and there is plenty to see for several visits.
In 2025, Tampere celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, marking the release of the very first story, The Moomins and the Great Flood (1945). The year’s theme centers on the Moominhouse—a symbol of belonging, warmth, and open doors. As the hometown of the Moomin Museum, Tampere will host a variety of Moomin-themed events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year and a major birthday celebration for Tove Jansson on August 9 at Tampere Hall.
Welcome to the Moominhouse! June 7, 2025–August 30, 2026
The Moominhouse is the Moomin family’s home, safe haven, and base of adventure. Friends, wanderers and sundry creatures alike are always welcome, whether for a brief visit or a longer stay. Everyone is always greeted with open arms. Moominmamma fills the house with the delicious smell of freshly baked pancakes, Moominpappa busies himself writing his memoirs, while Moomintroll keeps the world’s last dragon as his pet.
Part of a global Moomin 80 celebration, Tampere’s program invites everyone to share in the joy, creativity, and sense of community inspired by the beloved Moomins.
The foundation of the Moomin Museum is Tove Jansson’s (1914–2001) unique collection of Moomin art, which she donated to the Tampere Art Museum in 1986. Moomin illustrations have been presented in Tampere for over 30 years. In the basic exhibition of the Moomin museum, the always fascinating Moomin stories created by Tove Jansson unfold through drawings, paintings, three-dimensional dioramas, and various guides, offering a spark for the imagination and a response to the longing for stories. Visitors discover where it all started, how Moomins came into existence from Tove’s pen, and what happened after that. The three-dimensional tableaux created by Tove’s spouse, graphic artist Tuulikki Pietilä (1917–2009), immortalise mysterious scenes from Moomin stories. In the heart of the museum lies the museum’s pride and joy, the five-story and two-metre high, blue-painted Moomin House with its numerous secrets.
Jansson’s Moomin books have been translated into more than 50 languages – and their life wisdom, warmth, kindness and sense of adventure have timeless appeal to Moomin fans around the world. You can also experience the same atmosphere in the Moomin Museum.
The Sinebrychoff Art Museum: A Showcase of European Masterpieces
The Sinebrychoff Art Museum presents the National Gallery’s distinguished collection of European masterpieces, spanning the 14th to the 19th century. From exquisite Swedish portraiture to breathtaking Dutch, Flemish, Italian, and French masterpieces, the museum brings centuries of artistic brilliance to life. Highlights include Finland’s only Rembrandt painting, The Reading Monk, and the country’s largest collection of miniatures.
At the heart of the museum is the Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff Home Museum, which is on permanent display on the second floor of the building. Their elegant home, meticulously preserved, provides a rare glimpse into aristocratic life—plus, entry is completely free.
This year, the Sinebrychoff Art Museum invites visitors to hear tales of ancient heroes and explore mythical Spain through two captivating exhibitions.
Classical Heroes (13.2.–10.8.2025)
This exhibition explores the timeless stories of ancient heroes, characterized by strength, wit, beauty, sacrifice, and misfortune. It examines the concept of heroism and its enduring influence on Western culture.
Spain Beyond the Myths (11.9.2025–11.1.2026)
Spain has fascinated European tourists since the 18th century. Often associated with flamenco and mystery, this exhibition presents depictions of mythical Spain and 19th- and 20th-century paintings that look toward a new era.
Located on Bulevardi, between Hietalahdentori Square and Sinebrychoff Park, the museum is just 1.4 km from Helsinki Central Station—a must-visit for art lovers in the heart of the city.
WeeGee Exhibition Centre
The WeeGee exhibition centre in Tapiola, Espoo, is a versatile hub for museums, exhibitions, and events. WeeGee house is home to EMMA (the Espoo Museum of Modern Art), KAMU (Espoo City Museum), and the Mauri Kunnas Exhibition, as well as Delicatessen WeeGee, and the museum store EMMA Shop. WeeGee operates in the former Weilin&Göös printing house designed by Professor Aarno Ruusuvuori (1925–1992). In WeeGee’s yard the Futuro house, a plastic house designed by architect Matti Suuronen, is open to public from mid-May to mid-September.
EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art is one of the most important art museums in Finland. The largest in Finland in terms of surface area, EMMA’s spacious premises and minimalist modern architecture provides an inspirational backdrop for presenting modern and contemporary art and design. In addition to changing exhibitions, part of the collections of Collection Kakkonen, Saastamoinen Foundation, and the Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation are on permanent display at EMMA.
KAMU – Espoo City Museum is a cultural history museum. It features an exhibition about the history of Espoo, KAMU’s exhibition The Manor on the King´s Road, you can learn about life at the manor all the way from the 16th to the 21 century. KAMU offers visitors of all ages unforgettable museum experiences through events, guided tours, and workshops.
Exhibitions at EMMA 2025:
Karin Hellman – 09.04.2025 – 01.02.2026
Karin Hellman (1915–2004) was an innovative and unconventional pioneer of Finnish modernism, yet her work remains unfamiliar to many. In Hellman’s hands, materials found new and vibrant life: she combined natural materials, recycled textiles, and industrially produced everyday objects in her creations. She was one of the few Finnish artists to work predominantly with collage as her medium.
Arte Povera – A New Chapter – 09.04.2025 – 01.02.2026
Arte Povera – A New Chapter explores how especially women artists have worked in the spirit of the Arte Povera movement from the 1960s to the present. The term Arte Povera, literally meaning “poor art”, refers to a movement that emerged in Italy in the late 1960s, when artists began creating works from discarded and modest everyday materials. Their aim was to challenge the art market of the time and bring artistic practice closer to daily life. Instead of high-quality materials and polished aesthetics, the artworks often emphasise the processes of making, intentional unfinishedness, and immediacy.
12.02.2025 – 14.03.2027 – Draped – Art of Printed Fabrics
Draped – Art of Printed Fabrics exhibition will wrap EMMA’s exhibition galleries in vibrant colours and fascinating patterns of printed fabrics. The exhibition highlights printed fabrics by exceptional artists since the 1930s, and views them through the lens of art.
Rashaad Newsome: Untitled (New Way) – 24.11.2023 – 23.11.2025
The silent Untitled (New Way) (2009) is a piece by the American artist Rashaad Newsome (b. 1979) which renders the moving body sculptural, or like a drawing in space, whilst relishing the cultural specificity and artistry of voguing.
Serlachius: A Unique Blend of Art, History, and Nature
Serlachius offers an array of exciting experiences, just an hour’s drive from Tampere! Located in Mänttä, the Serlachius museums provide a unique blend of art, history, architecture, and exceptional culinary and sauna experiences amidst Finland’s stunning lake district. Just 3 km apart, the two museums form a cultural haven: one set in serene parklands by the lakeshore, home to the acclaimed Serlachius Art Sauna, and the other in the heart of Art Town Mänttä, combining award-winning contemporary architecture with historic charm.
Serlachius is a vibrant meeting place for those who appreciate high-quality art and storytelling. The museums host a variety of exhibitions, showcasing contemporary art, masterpieces from Finland’s Golden Age, and historic European works. In the summer, visitors can wander through a sculpture park and explore an art-filled island.
Enhance your visit with soft activities like Nordic walking, berry picking, or cycling. Relax with a forest stroll or a guided tour to learn about Finnish nature and culture. The museums also allow visitors to borrow bicycles, Nordic walking poles, and, during the summer season, rowing boats too! Other conveniences include two museum shops where you can pick up a unique gift or souvenir.
For a unique wellness experience, the Art Sauna offers public sauna days every Tuesday, immersing visitors in art, design, and stunning architecture. Food enthusiasts can indulge at Restaurant Gösta, known for its pure flavors and ranked among the best museum restaurants in Europe.
For easy access, the museums offer Train & Taxi packages tailored for visitors using public transportation. On Tuesdays (€37), enjoy a seamless journey that combines art, history, and relaxation at the Art Sauna. On Saturdays (€31), experience a cultural adventure with transfers between the two museums. Both packages include shared taxi transfers to and from Vilppula railway station and entrance to all exhibitions. Please note, train tickets are not included.
De Chirico and the Theatre – 15 March — 17 August 2025
The exhibition tells of Giorgio de Chirico’s (1888–1978) intense relationship with Rome, the city where he lived and worked for thirty years. There is a particular emphasis on de Chirico’s theatrical output – the costumes and sets of performances seen at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.
Patrons – The story behind the Serlachius Art Collection, Serlachius Headquarters
Behind the Serlachius art collection is a fascinating story that intertwines art, history, architecture, forest and Finnishness.
Tampere Art Museum
Tampere Art Museum organises changing exhibitions on the themes of art history, and presents old masters as well as the newest artists of contemporary art, featuring both local and international artists. The museum’s annual highlight is its announcement of the Young Artist of the Year and the subsequent award exhibition. Tampere Art Museum manages Finland’s second largest art collection, which comprises more than 15,000 works. Many of the works can be seen in the city’s public outdoor and indoor spaces.
Tampere Art Museum is 90 years old, having opened in 1931 as Finland’s third art museum. The museum came under the ownership of the city of Tampere in 1985. It has operated throughout its existence in the granary building designed by C.L. Engel, completed in 1838, on the edge of Pyynikintori. The main building of Tampere Art Museum is the third oldest building in the city, significant in terms of cultural history and the cityscape.
In the museum shop, you can find an excellent selection of gifts and souvenirs, as well as a wide range of publications related to our exhibitions, art postcards, decorative products and many other interesting things.
Surrealism – Collective Dream – 8.2.2025 – 10.8.2025
Surrealism – Collective Dream celebrates the one-hundred-year history of international surrealist art. This full-house exhibition explores surrealist art’s vision of reality, highlighting encounters between the movement’s pioneers and notable contemporary artists.
Ateneum
The Ateneum is an internationally known and respected art museum whose exhibitions attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Ateneum is a beloved meeting place for art, people and experiences. In July and August this year, the museum will also be open on Mondays. Tickets can be purchased online in advance in the website ticket shop, saving 2€ per ticket.
The highly popular exhibitions of the Ateneum showcase both international and Finnish artists. Paired with the museum’s topical research activities, the exhibitions provide new information and perspectives to the visitors. Museum´s collection exhibition The Question of Time participates in the current debate of the 21st century. Exhibition ponders how the country’s oldest and largest art collection can now and in the future feel both personal and common – to all of us.
Besides exhibitions, the Ateneum organises a wide range of events, talks, workshops and discussions on current topics. Thanks to its rich educational programme, the museum attracts thousands of children and young people every year.
At Café Höijer, on the third floor of the Ateneum, visitors can crown their museum visit in a beautiful setting. The café is located in the middle of the exhibition spaces, so it is only open to customers who have purchased a museum ticket. 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.
Ateneum is a part of the Finnish National Gallery which is the national museum of fine arts. It operates three of Finland’s best-known museums: the Ateneum Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum. It also manages the national art collection and its archives, develops Finnish cultural heritage and promotes art to the wider public.
Collection: A Question of Time – Permanent exhibition
Our collection exhibition A Question of Time reflects on the major questions of our time through art. The exhibition also offers fresh perspectives into Finland’s oldest and most extensive art collection and how it was built.
Crossing Borders – Travelling Women Artists in the 1800s – 7.3.–24.8.2025
For the first time, works by women artists who studied and worked in Germany in the 19th century are brought together in one exhibition. At the time, women had to choose between a career and a family, and they did not yet have the right to vote. The artists featured in Crossing Borders paved the way for the next generation of artists.
Gallen-Kallela, Klimt & Wien – 26.9.2025 – 1.2.2026
Akseli Gallen-Kallela and the Secessionists met in early 20th-century Vienna. The exhibition, which brings together modern art, fashion and design, explores the pulse of Vienna and brings the paintings of the artist Gustav Klimt to Finland for the first time.
Aboa Vetus Ars Nova – Museum of Archaeology and Contemporary Art
Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, located in the heart of Turku, Finland, is a unique museum that combines archaeology and contemporary art. Situated along the picturesque Aura River, the museum is housed in the historic Rettig Palace, a stunning example of baroque classicism that enhances its cultural and historical significance.
The Aboa Vetus section, Finland’s only archaeological museum, unveils the story of old Turku. Visitors can explore a fascinating underground town quarter, offering a glimpse into centuries of life in the city. Through ongoing excavations on the museum grounds, the collection of archaeological finds continues to grow, shedding new light on Finland’s past. The Bony Tales exhibition showcases these finds – from full skeletons to individual bones. Learn how bones help archaeologists understand ancient life, and try identifying real bones yourself!
The Ars Nova section features high-quality contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing current artists and phenomena. The museum also maintains the The Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Foundation Art Collection, which includes a diverse range of works from Finnish and Western art history. The oldest pieces in the collection date back to the late 19th century, while the main focus is on art from the 1950s to the present. The collection expands through new acquisitions and donations, ensuring a dynamic and evolving representation of modern and contemporary art.
Whether exploring the history of ancient Turku or discovering contemporary art, Aboa Vetus Ars Nova provides a unique cultural experience in a beautiful riverside location.
Anu Tuominen: Knitosis in Herbarium – 13.6.—21.9.2025
Anu Tuominen’s artworks and installations are composed of found objects and handicrafts. For more than three decades, she has methodically collected everyday items from flea markets and natural materials while travelling. In her work, she transforms these previously used materials, giving them new form and meaning.
Sari Soininen: The Trees Are Not What They Seem – 13.6.—21.9.2025
What is the difference between looking and seeing? Soininen’s photographs are dreamlike landscapes, self-portraits and still lifes. Soininen’s imagery is not anything unseen, yet nothing feels familiar.
