Design Museum
Introduction
The Design Museum in Helsinki, located at Korkeavuorenkatu 23 in the heart of the city, invites visitors into the rich and vibrant world of Finnish and international design. This renowned museum, housed in a neo‑Gothic former school building, offers an engaging experience that spans centuries—and illustrates Finland’s remarkable impact on design. A visit here is both inspiring and enjoyable for anyone interested in creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.
About the Museum
Founded in 1873 as the Museum of Applied Arts, the institution adopted the name Design Museum in 2002, reflecting its expanded mission. Since 1978, it has been situated in a striking neo‑Gothic former school constructed in the 1890s by architect Gustaf Nyström. The museum’s collection encompasses over 75 000 objects, 45 000 drawings, and 125 000 photographs, including iconic pieces from the Arabia Museum, the Iittala Glass Museum, the Nuutajärvi Glass Museum, and the Hackman‑Sorsakoski archives.
Visitors can explore the permanent exhibition “Finnish Form,” tracing design history from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Among the highlights are works by Alvar Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Marimekko, Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala, and Timo Sarpaneva. The museum also stages rotating temporary and touring exhibitions that spotlight both historical and contemporary design themes. Interactive spaces, including a Design Lab and a children’s workshop, invite hands‑on engagement, while researchers and enthusiasts alike benefit from digital collections and archival resources.
On‑site amenities include a café that practices sustainable design principles and a museum shop offering unique Finnish design goods. Guided tours—available in Finnish and Swedish—are offered regularly, and the museum hosts workshops and public lectures to deepen visitors’ understanding of design thinking .
Interesting Facts
- One of the oldest design museums in the world. Established in 1873, it celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023.
- Home in a former school building. The striking neo‑Gothic premises were built in 1894–95 and adapted for museum use in 1978.
- Massive collections. Boasting approximately 75 000 items, 45 000 drawings, and 125 000 images, it draws on merged collections from Arabia, Iittala, Nuutajärvi, and Hackman‑Sorsakoski.
- Signature exhibition—“Finnish Form.” The permanent exhibition showcases iconographic Finnish design across multiple immersive rooms, including a virtual re‑creation of the 1900 Paris World’s Fair pavilion.
- Interactive design spaces. Visitors can participate in design labs and workshops, offering a hands‑on experience ideal for families, students, and design lovers .
- Part of a larger design network. The museum oversees other Finnish glass museums in Iittala and Nuutajärvi, and is a member of the Finnish Museums Association—meaning it accepts the popular Finnish Museum Card.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +3589 622 0540
Website: www.designmuseum.fi/fi/
Facebook: facebook.com/arkkitehtuurijadesignmuseo
Conclusion
The Design Museum in Helsinki offers a heartfelt celebration of both Finnish design heritage and its influence on the global stage. Housed in a beautifully restored neo‑Gothic school, it blends historical artefacts with immersive storytelling and interactive learning. Visitors leave with a richer appreciation for the process and impact of design—from everyday objects like mugs and textiles to the bold visions of Alvar Aalto and Marimekko. Whether you are a design aficionado or simply curious, the museum’s thoughtful exhibitions, engaging tours, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must‑visit destination. Top it off with a sustainable coffee in the café and a unique souvenir from the shop, and you have a truly memorable cultural outing.
