Design Museum: A Showcase of Finnish Innovation

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.