History of Helsinki in a nutshell

The Bronze Age burial mound in Kulosaari proves that the past is constantly present even in the present.

Vantaa's Pyhän Lauri church was a meeting place for medieval Helsinki residents and the area's top attraction. It was built in the 1450s.

The Viapori sea fortress, today known as Suomenlinna, was an important naval base and one of the largest fortresses in the Swedish Empire. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the 19th century, the Senate Square was developed into the most beautiful square of the new Grand Duchy. In the picture, from left to right: the University of Helsinki, the National Library, and the Helsinki Cathedral.

During the Second World War, the Soviet Union bombed cities as part of its attempts to break Finland's defences. The ruins of the Vallila district are seen here. 

The area of Itäkeskus is an example of suburban development in Helsinki. The former rural landscape is now dominated by one of Europe's largest shopping centres.

Dive into the history of Helsinki

Helsinki City Museum

Museums & Galleries

Burgher's House Museum

Villa Hakasalmi

Sederholm House - Children's town at the Helsinki City Museum

Worker Housing Museum

Tram Museum

Get to know the history of Helsinki in the museums

View historic photos on the helsinkikuvia.fi service

Enjoy photos of Helsinki from different decades

National Museum of Finland

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Tamminiemi

Suomenlinna Museum

Mannerheim Museum

Submarine Vesikko

Ehrensvärd Museum

Helsinki University Museum Flame

The Helsinki City Rescue Department's Fire Museum

The Media Museum and Archives Merkki

Suomenlinna Toy Museum

Leikki – the Museum of Play

Museum of Civil Defence

Theatre Museum

Hotel and Restaurant Museum

The Museum of Technology

Bank of Finland Museum

Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery Kruunu

Kindergarten Museum

More historical museums in Helsinki

Helsinki’s fascinating Olympic buildings

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The Helsinki region has been inhabited for thousands of years. During Finland's independence, Helsinki has been not only the capital, but also the country's largest city....

History of Helsinki in a nutshell | My Helsinki