I told you I would have saved the best for last. And in this last part dedicated to Helsinki, we are focusing on those spots that you definitely shouldn't miss. Because each of them contains a little bit of Finnish soul, embraced in various forms.
1. The National Museum of Finland - where art and history meet
Situated on Mannerheimintie, where we found ourselves for the first time in the previous 'episode', this was my own favourite (actually, disputing the first spot with another place). First of all, the building itself is remarkable - for lovers of classic architecture, it is like a cosy castle, both outside and inside. Towers, painted ceiling, windows in stained glass, plus the karhu.... I mean, the bear who greets you at the doorway makes things even cuter.
Secondly, the objects on display are really numerous, and you really get a sense that you are being taken through the history of Finland in all details, from the Middle Ages to contemporary days. Weapons, Lutheran religious art, artworks of all kinds, musical instruments, costumes, furniture, images of monarchs of times past, and so much more. And guess what: unlike in Romanian museums, you are allowed to take pictures without extra taxes being perceived.
As a temporary exhibition on the ground floor, I had the chance to find a photography exhibition illustrating the contemporary history of Finland, from its war of independence from the Russian Empire to the present day, with all the social movements and issues that the country has faced.
Situated on Mannerheimintie, where we found ourselves for the first time in the previous 'episode', this was my own favourite (actually, disputing the first spot with another place). First of all, the building itself is remarkable - for lovers of classic architecture, it is like a cosy castle, both outside and inside. Towers, painted ceiling, windows in stained glass, plus the karhu.... I mean, the bear who greets you at the doorway makes things even cuter.
Secondly, the objects on display are really numerous, and you really get a sense that you are being taken through the history of Finland in all details, from the Middle Ages to contemporary days. Weapons, Lutheran religious art, artworks of all kinds, musical instruments, costumes, furniture, images of monarchs of times past, and so much more. And guess what: unlike in Romanian museums, you are allowed to take pictures without extra taxes being perceived.
As a temporary exhibition on the ground floor, I had the chance to find a photography exhibition illustrating the contemporary history of Finland, from its war of independence from the Russian Empire to the present day, with all the social movements and issues that the country has faced.
2. Kiasma, the Contemporary Art Museum - the modern and the quirky.
History comes face-to-face with modernity, in every sense. Just accross the way from the National Museum of Finland, we find Kiasma, the Contemporary Art Museum. An ultra-modern glass building, hosting literally the craziest works of art that I've ever seen. After my visit there, I found myself in awe in front of the levels of immagination that the human mind can reach.
At the souvenir shop on the ground floor, I became aquainted with the Muumi cartoon characters, which represent the theme of lots of souvenirs: calendars, mugs, notebooks, or wall pictures. They can be found everywhere, are not very new or modern (on the contrary, I'd say 'refreshingly old-fashioned'), but nevertheless very cute.
History comes face-to-face with modernity, in every sense. Just accross the way from the National Museum of Finland, we find Kiasma, the Contemporary Art Museum. An ultra-modern glass building, hosting literally the craziest works of art that I've ever seen. After my visit there, I found myself in awe in front of the levels of immagination that the human mind can reach.
At the souvenir shop on the ground floor, I became aquainted with the Muumi cartoon characters, which represent the theme of lots of souvenirs: calendars, mugs, notebooks, or wall pictures. They can be found everywhere, are not very new or modern (on the contrary, I'd say 'refreshingly old-fashioned'), but nevertheless very cute.
3. Suomenlinna - history in tune with nature.
From the old port, you can take the boat and head to Suomenlinna, an inhabited fortress expanding on various islands, and which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage. Its history starts in the 18th Century, and its role was to protect against Russian invasion. Afterwards, the fortess has been passed between Sweden and Finland.
Now it is like an open-air medieval museum, with walls, tunnels, gates, cannons and monuments. And on top of all that, nice and small wooden houses can be found from place to place, and yes, despite of the 'middle of nowhere, just you and nature' feeling, it is inhabited.
From the old port, you can take the boat and head to Suomenlinna, an inhabited fortress expanding on various islands, and which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage. Its history starts in the 18th Century, and its role was to protect against Russian invasion. Afterwards, the fortess has been passed between Sweden and Finland.
Now it is like an open-air medieval museum, with walls, tunnels, gates, cannons and monuments. And on top of all that, nice and small wooden houses can be found from place to place, and yes, despite of the 'middle of nowhere, just you and nature' feeling, it is inhabited.
4. Gallen-Kallela Museum - a hidden gem of genius
Now, this is the place disputing the top spot with the National Museum of Finland. As you might already know, my favourite places to visit as a tourists are castles and memorial houses, because I believe they have the biggest degree of warmth and personality. Plus, if you think about the fact that people of value, who made a difference in history and culture, have been present in the same rooms, the energy you get from that is priceless.
On my last day in Helsinki, I arrived at the Gallen-Kallela Museum, which is actually outside the city, in Tarvaspää, close to the city of Espoo. You can get there by taking a bus from the Kamppi shopping center, and you have to buy a ticket from the driver. You cannot use the Helsinki public transport pass, as you go outside the city. Plus, as you get off, I have to warn you that you will have quite a long bit to walk, the castle is somewhere in the wood, and the signs leave quite a lot to be desired. Be armed with patience, have a map or even a GPS, and be ready to ask passers-by (you won't see so many of those either, so it's better if you go there accompanied).
But once you get there I promise it is worth it. The museum is actually the house and studio of Finnish painter and sculptor Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865 - 1931), and is a small castle projected by the artist himself.
I admit I wasn't aquainted with him and his works beforehand, but he is a key figure in Finnish art and history, and the museum provides exactly a full picture of his biography and works. It is a cosy and quiet spot in the middle of nature. And after the visit of the museum, I advise you to go for lunch at the cafe' nearby, which is a very pretty house inside and outside.
****
And this was my Finnish adventure. I saw and learned quite a lot, on a relatively short visit, about a country which is not really 'in the spotlight' as a travel destination. However, it is absolutely worth it, from every point of view. Finland is art, design, architecture, history, artisan work, nature, and last but not least, food. I am sure I will be back someday. Kiitos, Suomi! :)
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