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Design Museum: A Showcase of Finnish Innovation

Explore Finland's design heritage at Design Museum Helsinki, showcasing iconic Finnish and international designs since 1873.

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The Design Museum in Helsinki, established in 1873, is a national museum dedicated to Finnish and international design. It features a vast collection of objects, drawings, and photographs, highlighting the evolution and impact of design across various disciplines. Located in the heart of the Design District, it's a must-see for design enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Design Museum

  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit on the last Tuesday of the month for free entry (except in December), and explore the museum's collections without admission fees.
  • Check out the Design Shop for unique souvenirs and design products, including classic designs and works by emerging designers.
  • Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the museum's collections and the history of Finnish design.
  • Explore the Design District surrounding the museum, filled with design shops, galleries, and cafes.
  • Take advantage of the audio guide featuring 24 fascinating architectural sites in central Helsinki.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Helsinki city center, the Design Museum is easily accessible by public transport. Take tram line 10 to the Johanneksenkirkko stop, which is directly in front of the museum. Tram tickets cost €3 and can be purchased from ticket machines or via the HSL app.

  • Walking

    The Design Museum is located in the heart of the Design District and is within walking distance from many central Helsinki locations. From the main shopping district or Helsinki harbor, it's approximately a 15-minute walk. Walking allows you to explore the surrounding Design District with its many shops and galleries.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Helsinki. A taxi from the city center to the Design Museum typically costs between €7-€9 and takes only a few minutes. Taxi fares start at €1.30 per km. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber.

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Discover more about Design Museum

The Design Museum, or Designmuseo, is located in Helsinki's Design District and is a testament to Finland's rich and innovative design legacy. Founded in 1873, it stands as one of the oldest design museums in the world. The museum is housed in a former school building, designed in the neo-Gothic style by architect Gustaf Nyström in 1894, and has been operating at this location since 1978. The museum's collection includes over 75,000 objects, 45,000 drawings, and 125,000 photographs, illustrating the history of Finnish and international design from 1870 to the present day. The permanent exhibition, “Finnish Design Story,” takes visitors on a chronological journey through the evolution of Finnish design. Iconic creations such as Alvar Aalto's furniture, Iittala glassware, and Marimekko textiles are showcased. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions, engaging with contemporary design trends and talents. Visitors can explore various design disciplines, including industrial design, fashion, and graphic design. Exhibits feature everything from vintage Marimekko clothing to Nokia mobile phones and the Angry Birds video game. The museum also has a Design Café Taito and a Design Shop. The Design Museum actively contributes to the ongoing development of Finnish design by hosting workshops, guided tours, and special events. It also organizes international touring exhibitions and publishes books and exhibition catalogs.

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