Amos Rex

Table of Contents

Introduction

Amos Rex is a striking contemporary art museum located beneath the iconic Lasipalatsi Plaza on Mannerheimintie in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. This visionary cultural space combines futuristic architecture, engaging exhibitions, and accessible public areas to create an inviting destination for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Nestled under playful, dome‑shaped skylights that dot the square above, Amos Rex offers a refreshing departure from conventional museum spaces, encouraging exploration and wonder from the moment you arrive.

About the Museum

Opened in August 2018, Amos Rex honours Finnish arts patron Amos Anderson by bringing together historic and modern elements in a seamless dialogue. Designed by JKMM Architects, the museum connects with the restored 1930s functionalist Lasipalatsi building while extending underground into column‑free galleries illuminated through skylights on the plaza above.

Visitors descend into a subterranean world of art where domed ceilings, gentle lighting, and flexible exhibition spaces allow for striking, dynamic installations. The museum hosts about three to four exhibitions per year, ranging from digital and immersive experiences to more traditional installations and sculptures .

Current exhibitions (April 2 to August 31, 2025) include:

Staged Circumstances and Piles of Things by Anna Estarriola, a captivating installation of sculptures, sounds, and multimedia exploring the boundaries of reality.
Expanding Empathies by Enni‑Kukka Tuomala, a hands‑on exhibition in Studio Rex that invites reflection on empathy through 3‑D‑scanned environments and interactive art.

Amos Rex is built for inclusivity: wheelchair‑accessible, child‑friendly (with all under‑eighteen admitted free), stroller‑friendly, and welcoming to guide dogs and breastfeeding visitors. Discussion‑guide staff in lavender coats engage visitors throughout the galleries, and exhibition booklets are available in English, Finnish, and Swedish. Photography without flash is allowed.

Convenient amenities enhance the visit. A free, unguarded cloakroom with lockers is available, though oversized luggage must be stored elsewhere. Numerous cafés and restaurants—including Haiku, Ravintola Lasipalatsi, La Torrefazione, and Café Java—surround the square, with summer terraces offering alfresco enjoyment.

Interesting Facts

Subterranean & Skylight Architecture: The museum is entirely underground, with five dome‑shaped skylights emerging above Lasipalatsi Square, creating a playful and bright plaza space.
Column‑Free Exhibition Halls: A 30‑metre‑span concrete dome allows for large, flexible installations without obstructive supports.
Historic Lasipalatsi Integration: The 1936 functionalist Lasipalatsi pavilion has been lovingly restored and integrated, including its neon lighting, cinema, and original details.
Art and Play Merge Above Ground: The domes serve as informal gathering places—perfect for picnics, skateboarding, or simply lounging while enjoying the plaza panorama .
Child-Friendly Guide “Ou”: A museum mascot named Ou offers playful tips for children throughout the exhibitions, helping them engage with art through observation and interaction.
Augmented Reality Time Travel: The museum once featured “AR Flashback,” an innovative augmented‑reality project allowing visitors to explore Lasipalatsi’s past through scanned images and digital storytelling.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +35 89 684 4460

Website: amosrex.fi/

Facebook: facebook.com/amoskonst/

Conclusion

Amos Rex is more than just a museum—it is a celebration of art, architecture, and community. Beneath the charming Lasipalatsi plaza lies a hidden realm of light and creativity, where exhibitions challenge the way we see, think, and feel. With its inclusive atmosphere, engaging staff, free admission for under‑eighteens, and thoughtful design, the museum invites visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy the arts. Whether you are drawn to immersive installations, historic buildings, or rooftop hangouts above the skylits, Amos Rex offers an unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of Helsinki.