Explore Finland’s Thriving Art Scene: Must-See Galleries and Museums

It’s been a significant year in Helsinki’s art scene. The Finnish capital is concluding its second Biennial while also commemorating the 150th anniversary of its Design Museum. However, beyond the city limits, numerous inspiring cultural attractions await discovery.

In April, Chappe debuted in the picturesque town of Ekenäs, located about an hour’s drive to the west of Helsinki. Marketed as “an art house by the sea,” this venue was envisioned and funded by the esteemed Finnish geneticist Albert de la Chapelle, who passed away in 2020. The architecture firm JKMM — renowned for Helsinki’s acclaimed Amos Rex museum — has created a luminous space with soaring, timber-lined ceilings. It serves well for expansive contemporary exhibitions like “Climate & Art — Alternative Approaches,” showcasing mixed-media photography and sound art installations.

Thirty minutes’ drive from Ekenäs, you will find Fiskars, a former ironworks village immortalized for its iconic orange-handled scissors. Today, this vibrant community is home to over a hundred artisans, many of whom are part of the cooperative Onoma. This charming town attracts around 200,000 visitors annually. Responding to the increasing interest, the boutique hotel Torby opened in June in a repurposed paper factory, featuring lighting and furniture by Finnish designers.

Since 2019, creators in Fiskars have organized the Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale, which unites local and international artists through pop-up exhibitions. Although the next biennale is scheduled for May 2024, designers maintain their shops year-round. At Jalo, goldsmith Timo Mustajärvi transforms old jewelry into bespoke creations. Meanwhile, imaginative leather jewelry and bags by Leanika Korn can be found at Leanika. Additionally, at Bianco Blu, glass artist Tarmo Maaronen crafts whimsical figurines and conducts glassblowing workshops. A fantastic location for finding souvenirs is the Fiskars Shop, which prominently showcases Finnish brands such as the pottery house Arabia, the cutlery maker Hackman, and the glassware brand Iittala.

A version of this story first appeared in the September 2023 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “Finland Fresh.”