During our stay in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, as a part of our 2024 to 2025 Northern European holiday, we went in to two large art galleries in Helsinki, the Ateneum and Kiasma.
Ateneum
The first Gallery in Europe that we entered was the Ateneum, an Museum of Finnish and International art gallery right next to the main train station and south of the Railway Square of Rautatientori. We entered in snow gear, used the free lockers and hangers for our coats, and then bought the €20 tickets. Our tickets were never checked, but we explored the three (and a half) floors.
Much of the art was very interesting, and we noted that all the signs and explanations are in English. We could enjoy the well-themed and uncluttered rooms, which were laid out to tell a story or follow a path of similar concepts.
There was artwork from Munch, Van Gogh and other masters – just nestled in amongst the other artworks. Nothing too famous or recognisable, but a great addition in the gallery.
We noted that each section and room has a weather door, to try and maintain the humidity and temperature of the artworks in Finland’s cold and moist air. This was a well designed addition to the old and grand building that looked integrated and not added on.
Kiasma
The Kiasma contemporary art museum was a more modern building, a purpose built concrete structure that wound around from floor to floor with a giant internal slope. We started at the top, and worked out way down.
As with all modern art, either it moves you, or you are left wondering what on Earth is going on. We saw some amazing installations, and some very interesting and innovative ways of expressing feelings and thought. We found Kiasma to be very enjoyable.
