Design Museum Helsinki: A Showcase of Finnish Innovation
Explore Finland's design legacy at Designmuseo: a journey through innovation, craftsmanship, and the evolution of Finnish and international design.
Located in Helsinki's Design District, the Design Museum, or Designmuseo, offers an immersive experience into the world of Finnish and international design. Established in 1873, it is one of the oldest design museums in the world. The museum's extensive collection includes over 75,000 objects, 45,000 drawings, and 125,000 images, showcasing the history of industrial arts in Finland. The museum is housed in a former school building designed in the Neo-Gothic style by architect Gustaf Nyström in 1894. Since 1978, it has operated in this building. The Design Museum's permanent exhibition, 'Utopia Now – The Story of Finnish Design', presents the pivotal role of design in the development of the Finnish welfare state. The exhibits include iconic pieces such as Alvar Aalto's furniture and Iittala glassware, vintage Marimekko clothing, Nokia mobile phones, and the Angry Birds game. In addition to its permanent collection, the Design Museum hosts temporary exhibitions, engaging with contemporary design trends and talents. The museum also features a Design Café Taito and a Design Shop. The Design Museum actively contributes to the ongoing development of Finnish design through educational initiatives and engagement with emerging talents.
Local tips
- Visit on the last Tuesday of the month for free admission (excluding December).
- Explore the Design District surrounding the museum for a complete cultural experience.
- Check the museum's website for information on current temporary exhibitions and events.
- Take tram line 10 to the 'Johanneksenkirkko' stop for convenient access.
- Enjoy lunch or a snack at Design Café Taito during your visit.
A brief summary to Design Museum
- Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Helsinki, 00130, FI
- +35896220540
- Visit website
- Tuesday 11 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Helsinki Central Station, take tram line 10 to the 'Johanneksenkirkko' stop, which is directly in front of the Design Museum. A single ticket for a short trip within Helsinki costs approximately €3. Several bus lines also stop near the museum, including lines 20, 30, 55, 64, and 66. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
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Walking
The Design Museum is located in the heart of Helsinki's Design District and is easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From the Esplanadi Park, walk south along Korkeavuorenkatu street for about 500 meters. The museum will be on your left. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Helsinki. A taxi from the city center to the Design Museum typically costs between €7 and €9. Taxi stands are located at Helsinki Central Station and other major transportation hubs. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Be sure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the ride. There are no fixed fares, so the final cost depends on the distance and time of day.
