The Free Art School was founded in 1935 on the initiative of art world influencer and patron Maire Gullichsen to offer an alternative to academic art education. Modelled after the “free academies” of Paris, the Free Art School was a champion of modern painting in Finland from its very beginning. The school has evolved from concretism and pure abstract colour painting towards the diversity of contemporary painting.

The history of the Free Art School and the artists who studied and taught there are approached through Leonard and Katarina Bäcksbacka’s donated collection, which is the heart of HAM and the City of Helsinki’s art collection. In 1915, the Bäcksbackas established the art gallery Taidesalonki, which showcased the works of several artists involved in the Free Art School – artists whose works the couple also acquired for their collection.

The exhibition features 60 artworks by 39 artists, including Tor Arne, Päivi Björkenheim, Yngve Bäck, Erik Creutziger, Carolus Enckell, Torger Enckell, Maire Gullichsen, Hjalmar Hagelstam, Ester Helenius, Pekka Hepoluhta, Erkki Hienonen, Kauko Hämäläinen, Jani Hänninen, Tove Jansson, Auli Järvelä, Ole Kandelin, Erkki Kulovesi, Anitra Lucander, William Lönnberg, Elina Merenmies, Thomas Nyqvist, Mikko Oinonen, Paavo Paunu, Outi Pienimäki, Unto Pusa, Ilmari Rautio, Pekka Ryynänen, Janne Räisänen, Sigrid Schauman, Sulho Sipilä, Elga Sesemann, Per Stenius, Mari Sunna, Tapani Tamminen, Timo Valjakka, Sam Vanni, Rafael Wardi, Carl Wargh, and Reijo Viljanen.

HAM Helsinki Art Museum

25.4.2025-4.1.2026

Tue 10-17, Wed-Fri 11-19, Sat-Sun 11-17

Tickets: 20/12/0 €