Finland, Europe (Point of interest)

Topped by green domes, the white Lutheran Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) in the city centre is visible across the city. It was completed in 1852 after two decades and, like the Senate Square it overlooks, was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. Its ... Continue reading →

The city centre Ateneum Art Museum houses Finland's largest collection of art, including all the best-loved Finnish masterpieces, spanning more than 200 years to the 1960s. The international collection includes Western art from the late 19th centur... Continue reading →

Founded in 1873 as a study collection for the arts and crafts school, the Design Museum in the Kaartinkaupunki area of the city centre covers the history and development of design in Finland. It presents both permanent and temporary exhibitions.... Continue reading →

Opened in 1971, Finlandia Hall in Taka-Töölö is named after Finnish composer Sibelius' best-known symphonic work. It is Helsinki's main venue for classical music concerts and other large entertainment events, as well as congresses and conference... Continue reading →

The ballet and opera performances at the Finnish National Opera House are internationally renowned. Operas are sung in their original languages. The original Opera House was built in the 1870s, but in 1993 it moved to its new Taka-Töölö home.... Continue reading →

Kiasma, in the city centre, cleverly harmonises the clinically simple with incredibly sophisticated high technology, and is home to the contemporary art collection of the Finnish National Gallery. An integrated theatre offers music, movies, multime... Continue reading →

The National Museum of Finland, in the city centre, includes exhibits covering Finnish pre-history to the mid-20th century. Learn about Finnish history and society from the treasure trove of coins, medals and weapons, archaeological exhibits and di... Continue reading →

Helsinki's Olympic Stadium in Taka-Töölö was built in 1938 and staged the 1952 Olympic Games. Apart from a view of the stadium, a trip up the 72-metre tower affords an impressive vista over Helsinki, best seen on a sunny day.... Continue reading →

Senate Square and its surroundings form a fine example of Neoclassical architecture. It is dominated by four buildings designed by Engel: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Li... Continue reading →

The Sibelius Monument, in the Taka-Töölö district, commemorates Finland's best-known composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), who wrote the symphonic poem Finlandia. Initially controversial, the monument is a distinctive abstract construction of hol... Continue reading →

Suomenlinna, off Helsinki's southern coastline, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a history of occupation dating back to 1748, the area resonates with over 250 years of military history, aptly illustrated by its name, which literally means "Fin... Continue reading →

The Cable Factory occupies the premises of an old factory converted in 1992 into a cultural centre, the creative hub of the city. It houses art schools, museums, radio stations, rehearsing studios, a martial arts club, artist studios and galleries.... Continue reading →

The Finnish Museum of Photography at Ruoholahti presents the history of the genre from the mid-19th century to the present day. It features works by photographers such as Anders Serrano, Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman, as well as Finnish photographe... Continue reading →

Great moments and bitter defeats of Finnish athletics are captured in the multimedia shows and exhibits at The Sports Museum of Finland in Taka-Töölö. Race an Olympian on the simulator and see the gilded shoe of legendary runner Paavo Nurmi.... Continue reading →

The elegant Villa Hakasalmi dates from the 1840s and houses special art exhibitions staged by the Helsinki City Museum. Helsinki purchased the villa in 1896 from philanthropist Aurora Karamzin and it has been under Helsinki City Museum's wing since... Continue reading →