Museums in Center (Punavuori) (Helsinki)

IntoGalleria

This gallery, which works as part of the University of Art and Design, has been on the Bulevardi since 1997. Its main purpose is to exhibit graduating students' work, but the gallery also has exhibitions by artists from outside the school. The exhibitions are two or three weeks long and so the gallery holds 20-25 exhibitions each year.

Galleria Bronda

This gallery, established already in 1978 in central Helsinki shows exclusively contemporary art. The gallery has a graphic art center with prints of work by over 100 artists. You can also rent art from this gallery.

Galleria Valööri

Gallerie Valööri is situated in the art gallery center of Helsinki. The many different kinds of exhibitions and events arranged here range from traditional exhibitions to performances and installations. Come by to check out art at its best.

Galleria Juhani Palmu

The world-famous and somehow very Finnish artist Juhani Palmu has his own gallery here on Yrjönkatu. His work shows very strong influences by the Finno-Ugric traditions, and can be found in many galleries in Europe, the United States and Japan. Some of his work is also on display in the virtual gallery on his Web site.

Galleria Hutto

With two locations in the center of Helsinki, Galleria Hutto is a haven of contemporary art. Created by budding artists, the exhibition held here underlines the freedom and evolution that art must project. Hosting around 50 exhibitions throughout the year, the gallery features works in all forms of media. Promoting a merger of social and individual streak in an artist, Hutto is a beautiful alternative world of art.

Suomen Kansallismuseo (National Museum of Finland)

The National Museum of Finland was designed by Herman Geselius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen. The museum is one of the proudest pieces of the Finnish Art Nouveau movement. The castle-like building was completed in 1906 after which it has been one of the landmarks of the city, known for its tall tower and the Emil Wikström sculpture Bear that stands guard at the main entrance. The building's courtyard and the surrounding walls form a nice addition to the structure. The National Museum's comprehensive collections spread out over four floors and about 3200 square meters (34,444 square feet). They show the development of Finland from as far back as prehistory. The exhibitions are historical and encompass archaeology, culture and sociology. Even if you go no further than the main entrance hall you will be amazed. The ceiling is decorated by Kalevala- inspired frescos made by famous artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. He origina! lly painted them for the Paris World Fair held at the beginning of the twentieth century. The street between the National Museum and the Parliament Building has numerous statues that represent Finnish presidents and other notable people. In addition to the permanent exhibition, various special exhibitions are arranged in the museum.

00130Gallery

This two-room gallery in Helsinki is a great showcase for young, budding talent. Artists, mainly students, may apply to display their creations here, for a fee of EUR600 for three weeks, though the duration and rates vary. Showings are also hosted and the gallery tries to help out the artists it puts on display. Come by to witness some interesting and refreshing works, and to chat with the next Picasso in the making!