Design Museum

During our tour of Helsinki, we stopped at the Design Museum, an institution devoted to the objects and ideas that have helped make Finnish design internationally recognized. The museum was founded in 1873, making it one of the oldest design museums in the world. Its collections preserve the development of Finnish design through furniture, glass, ceramics, textiles, clothing, graphic art, and everyday household objects.

The museum moved into this building on Korkeavuorenkatu in 1978. Designed by Finnish architect Gustaf Nyström and completed in 1894–95, the neo-Gothic building was originally constructed as a school. Its transformation into a museum gave the historic building a new educational purpose, allowing visitors to explore how creativity and practical needs have shaped the objects used in daily life.

Finnish design is known for combining simplicity, beauty, and usefulness. The museum explores how furniture, glassware, ceramics, textiles, clothing, and other everyday objects reflect Finland’s culture, resources, and changing way of life.  Our visit offered another way to understand the country. Finland’s history could be found not only in its monuments and historic sites, but also in objects created for everyday use.