Finland's national gallery of classical art, housed in a Neo-Renaissance building opposite the Central Station, with works by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Helene Schjerfbeck and Van Gogh among its collections.
The Ateneum Art Museum at Kaivokatu 2 in central Helsinki, Uusimaa, is Finland's national gallery of classical art and part of the Finnish National Gallery. It occupies a Neo-Renaissance building opposite Helsinki Central Station and Rautatientori square, a two-minute walk from the main hall. The collections span Finnish art from the 18th century to the 1950s, and the museum is best known for the Golden Age of Finnish painting around the turn of the 20th century. Works by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, including scenes from the Kalevala, and by Helene Schjerfbeck are the main draws, alongside Albert Edelfelt and Eero Järnefelt. International names, among them Van Gogh, appear in the collection and in temporary exhibitions, which often form the main reason for a visit. The permanent displays run across several floors linked by a grand stair hall with high ceilings and natural light, and a cafe is available in the building. A visit normally takes 1.5 to 2 hours, longer when a major temporary show is on. The museum is closed on Mondays, and opens Tuesday to Friday 10:00-18:00 with late opening to 20:00 on Wednesday and Thursday, and Saturday-Sunday 10:00-17:00. The busiest times are weekend afternoons and rainy days when exhibitions are popular; the late Wednesday and Thursday evenings are calmer. Adult tickets cost about €23 at the desk and €21 online, with reduced tickets around €13 and free entry for visitors under 18. The Ateneum is easy to combine with Kiasma and Amos Rex, which are within about a ten-minute walk, and with the Central Station area. Photography rules vary by exhibition, so check the signs in each room, and coats and bags are stored in the lockers by the entrance hall.
| Admission | Adult €23 at the desk (about $26 USD), €21 online (about $24 USD), €13 reduced (about $15 USD) · Child Under 18 free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon closed, Tue 10:00-18:00, Wed-Thu 10:00-20:00, Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-17:00 |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Wednesday or Thursday evening when it is open late |
| Getting there | Next to Helsinki Central Station, 2-minute walk from the main hall; most trams stop at Rautatientori |
| Address | Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki |
Location
Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki
60.1700, 24.9442 View on map
Highlights
- Golden Age Finnish paintings by Akseli Gallen-Kallela
- Works by Helene Schjerfbeck, Albert Edelfelt and Eero Järnefelt
- Neo-Renaissance building and stair hall opposite Central Station
- Major temporary exhibitions including international artists
Tips for visiting
- Book online; the ticket is about €2 cheaper than the desk price
- Go on Wednesday or Thursday evening when the museum is open late
- The museum is closed on Mondays
- Under 18s enter free
- Check photography rules for each temporary exhibition
- Combine with Kiasma and Amos Rex on the same afternoon
When to visit
Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when the museum is open late, are the calmest. Weekend afternoons are the busiest.
Accessibility
The building has lifts to the gallery floors and the entrance can be used with a wheelchair. Visitors with specific mobility needs should confirm arrangements with the museum in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Ateneum take?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the permanent collection, with extra time if a large temporary exhibition is on.
Is the Ateneum worth it for kids?
Children under 18 enter free, and the Gallen-Kallela paintings based on the Kalevala often interest older children. Younger children may find the visit long without a family program.
Is photography allowed?
Photography in the permanent collection is generally allowed without flash, but temporary exhibitions can have restrictions. Check the signs in each gallery.