EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Espoo Museum of Modern Art, known as EMMA, is located in the vibrant Tapiola district of Espoo, Finland. Nestled within the iconic WeeGee Exhibition Centre at Ahertajantie 5, EMMA offers an immersive cultural experience just a short journey from Helsinki. This expansive institution showcases a powerful blend of Finnish modernist art, international contemporary works, and boundary‑pushing design, all within a striking converted printing‑house building.

About the Museum

EMMA opened its doors in 2006 and has since become Finland’s largest art museum, boasting approximately 6 000 square metres of gallery space across two floors. Housed within the former Weilin & Göös printing facility, designed in the 1960s by architect Aarno Ruusuvuori, the museum is a celebrated example of concrete brutalist architecture, featuring immense column‑supported ceilings and panoramic north‑facing windows that seamlessly connect the indoor galleries with the surrounding pine woods.

A visit to EMMA is more than just viewing art—it is a full sensory experience. The museum hosts eight to ten temporary exhibitions each year, covering contemporary art, modernist works, design, experimental media, and fashion. At the same time, permanent displays include selections from EMMA’s own collection of nearly 3 000 works; the Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection; the Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation; and Collection Kakkonen, which highlights Finnish glass and ceramic art. Another distinctive offering is the “Visible Storage” gallery for the Wirkkala‑Bryk collection, allowing visitors to explore the workings of museum curation in an open‑storehouse format.

All entrance fees also grant access to the Futuro House, the Mauri Kunnas exhibition, and Espoo City Museum (KAMU). Facilities include the Café Zoceria, the EMMA Shop featuring Finnish art and design pieces, guided tours, and accessibility features throughout.

Interesting Facts

EMMA is housed in the former Weilin & Göös printing factory, an industrial landmark masterfully repurposed into an art museum.
Gallery space spans approximately 6 000 square metres, making it the largest art museum in Finland.
The museum’s architecture features eight massive columns supporting a high ceiling originally used to hold huge printing presses.
EMMA presents works from four major collections: EMMA’s own, the Saastamoinen Foundation, the Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation, and Collection Kakkonen.
The visible‑storage format for the Wirkkala‑Bryk collection reveals the behind‑the‑scenes of museum work and conservation.
Visitors receive combined access to other attractions in the WeeGee complex, including the Futuro House and Espoo City Museum.
The museum is fully accessible, offering mobility‑friendly entrances, lifts, accessible restrooms, and free entry for assistants.
EMMA regularly hosts exhibitions that fuse art and other disciplines—recent shows include fashion‑focused “Social Fabric,” design exhibitions, and media‑art installations.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +35 843 827 0941

Website: emmamuseum.fi/

Facebook: facebook.com/emmamuseum

Conclusion

For anyone seeking a multifaceted cultural adventure in Finland, EMMA offers a striking synthesis of art, architecture, design, and accessibility. Its monumental building and seamless integration of indoor spaces with nature create a deeply engaging viewing environment. Whether you are drawn to celebrated Finnish modernism, contemporary global art, innovative design, or thought-provoking media works, EMMA’s diverse programming ensures there is something to ignite inspiration in every visitor. The added attractions within the WeeGee complex make a day at EMMA an especially rich experience. In a world where art can shift perspectives and open hearts, EMMA truly lives up to its mission—inviting bold exploration and meaningful dialogue.