Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sun & Tue, 10am-8.30pm Wed-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat)
Now just one of a series of elegant contemporary buildings in this part of town, curva-
ceous and quirky metallic Kiasma, designed by Steven Holl and finished in 1998, is still a
symbol of the city's modernisation. It exhibits an eclectic collection of Finnish and inter-
national modern art and keeps people on their toes with its striking contemporary exhibi-
tions. The interior, with its unexpected curves and perspectives, is as invigorating as the
outside.
Kiasma's outstanding success is that it's been embraced by the people of Helsinki. Its
sleek, glass-sided cafe and terrace are hugely popular, locals sunbathe on the grassy
fringes and skateboarders perform aerobatics under the stern gaze of Mannerheim's statue
outside.
Kansallismuseo
MUSEUM
11am-6pm Tue-Sun)
The impressive National Museum, built in National Romantic style in 1916, looks a bit
like a Gothic church with its heavy stonework and tall square tower. This is Finland's
premier historical museum and is divided into rooms covering different periods of Finnish
history, including prehistory and archaeological finds, church relics, ethnography and
changing cultural exhibitions. It's a very thorough, old-style museum - you might have
trouble selling this one to the kids - but provides a comprehensive overview.
Look for the imperial throne of Tsar Alexander I dating from 1809, and the basement
treasury, gleaming with coins, medals, pewter and swords. From the 1st-floor balcony,
crane your head up to see the superb frescoes on the ceiling arches, depicting scenes from
the epic
Kalevala,
painted by Akseli Gallen-Kallela.
Katajanokka
ISLAND
Just east of the kauppatori, this island is divided from the mainland by a narrow canal and
makes for an enjoyable stroll. It's a paradise of upmarket Jugendstil (art nouveau) residen-
tial buildings with extravagant turrets and curious carvings galore.
