Helsinki’s must-visit museums for design and architecture

Happy, minimalist, and effortlessly trendy — Helsinki’s design legacy is as iconic as its saunas! From Alvar Aalto’s architectural masterpieces to timeless design icons like Iittala and Arabia, Helsinki offers an unforgettable journey through the intersection of art, form, and function. For Nordic aesthetic devotees and curious visitors alike, here are some insider tips for design and architecture museums in Helsinki!

Shopping at the Glasshouse Helsinki
Karoliina Bärlund

Helsinki Design Museum 

Established in 1873, the Design Museum researches, collects and documents national design, with an extensive collection from iconic brands like Marimekko and Artek to groundbreaking contemporary works. The rotating exhibitions often delve into design’s role in society, nature, and sustainability, alongside engaging workshops and talks. A museum visit that provokes thoughts, plus there’s coffee – what’s not to love? 

The museum shop is perfect for unique souvenirs (Finnish design pieces and eco-friendly goods from clothes to stationery!), after which you can enjoy locally sourced treats at the Taito Café. The entire museum is accessible and committed to offer design for all.

Admission: 20€ for adults / Free for children under 18, Museum Card holders, and all visitors every last Tuesday of the month

Location: Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Helsinki Design District

Museum of Finnish Architecture

The Museum of Finnish Architecture houses a permanent exhibition on 19th century architecture in the country, with rotating exhibits on urban development and key figures across architecture, design, and art. A pilgrimage site for fans of Nordic modernism, you’ll find deep-dives into famous architects’ – such as Alvar Aalto and Carl Ludwig Engel’s legendary works. If you’re looking for new perspectives, the museum facilitates free lectures and workshops.

The museum is also home to a small public library and an idyllic bookshop – only enter if you’re okay leaving with the desire to renovate your entire home! Due to the building’s old age, not all parts of the museum are accessible – find more details here.

Admission: 20€ for adults / Free for children under 18, Museum Card holders, and all visitors every last Tuesday of the month

Location: Kasarmikatu 24, Helsinki Design District 

Iittala & Arabia Design Centre

Located in the former Arabia ceramics factory, the Iittala & Arabia Design Centre takes you on a journey through Finland’s two most-celebrated household brands and their worldwide legacy, from 1873 to today. You can immerse yourself in the stories behind the iconic glassware and ceramics, and shop for the brands’ current collections. This place proves that even your morning coffee deserves an icon (most likely a Moomin mug)!

The museum is currently under renovation, due to re-open on the ground floor in spring 2025 with a new ceramics exhibition.

Admission: Free

Location: Hämeentie 135, Arabianranta

Photo Jussi Hellsten
Studio Aalto

Design

Helsinki

Photo Svante Gullichsen
Finnish design (2)

The Aalto House

No exploration of Finnish design and architecture is complete without diving into the country’s best-known modernist. The Aalto House offers a rare glimpse into the personal life and creative process of Alvar and Aino Aalto – part home, part masterpiece. The house, completed in 1936, showcases how the Aaltos brought their design principles into everyday life, from custom furniture to meticulously planned interiors, every detail tells a story of innovation.

The house can only be visited on a guided tour (mostly in English, but groups also available in Japanese, German, Finnish, and Swedish) that lasts an hour, including free time to explore.

Admission: 30€ for adults / Free for children under 18

Location: Riihitie 20, Munkkiniemi

Studio Aalto

A short distance from The Aalto House, Alvar Aalto designed an office for himself (talk about upgrading your Zoom calls!). Completed in 1955, Studio Aalto’s striking aesthetics of curved walls and abundant natural light reflect the architect’s philosophy of blending design with nature. 

The studio can only be visited on a guided tour (usually in English) that lasts an hour, including free time to explore and visit the museum shop.

Admission: 20€ for adults / Free for children under 18

Location: Tiilimäki 20, Munkkiniemi

Didrichsen Art Museum

The Didrichsen Art Museum is where art, architecture, and nature converge, with a side of coffee. Designed by Viljo Revell in the 1950s, a private home opened to the public, this modernist treasure houses an eclectic collection of 20th century art from Finland and internationally, with Asian and Latin American artefacts, alongside rotating exhibitions. The grounds feature a stunning sculpture garden, proving great culture belongs both inside and outside the walls, along with a cosy café and a museum shop.

The entire museum is accessible and induction loops are available (also for guided tours when booked in advance).

Admission: 16€ for adults / Free for children under 18 and Museum Card holders

Location: Kuusilahdenkuja 1, Kuusisaari

Tips for museum lovers in Helsinki

Get a Museum Card

If you can’t get enough of the wonderful museums in Helsinki, the Helsinki Museum Card is your ultimate cultural companion. For a single fee, you get unlimited access to over 50 museums for a whole year. It pays itself off in just four of these design visits!

The best times to visit

Consider planning your visits during quieter times: weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded. Helsinki is magical throughout all seasons, but design and architecture devotees might want to plan their trip around key events like Helsinki Design Week in September to make the most of their passion.

Most Helsinki museums offer free admission on specific days – the Design and Architecture Museums on the last Tuesday of the month!

Attend guided tours

Enhance your museum visits with guided tours, even outside the exhibitions! The Helsinki Design District offers walking tours through the trendy area, and several providers organise fascinating architecture tours across the city. 

Design and architecture are like Helsinki’s third official language! You can’t help but be immersed in it, and these museums are where the more curious come to explore. Which one awakens your inner designer?