Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki (must see)

On Rautatientori square, close to the Helsinki Central rail stations, lies Ateneum. It is one of three museums that form the Finnish National Gallery. The other two are the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

The museum gallery focuses on Finnish art from the 18th to the 20th centuries. There are also 650 or so international works, including one piece by Vincent van Gogh.

The building was designed by Theodor Höijer and built in 1887. The heavily ornamented exterior includes busts of famous artists like Raphael. Four female figures support the pediment, each representing one of the four classical art forms—architecture, painting, sculpture, and geometry. Above, the Goddess of Art, Pallas Athene, blesses the artworks.

Ateneum has rotating exhibitions in addition to their permanent collection, and they offer Saturday workshops with museum admission. The gallery is closed on Mondays. There's a museum shop on the property as well.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the best art museums in the Nordics, and certainly recommendable if you want to have a look at the most famous Finnish pieces of art. The well-stocked shop is an excellent place for postcards and tasteful gifts from Helsinki. The bistro serves excellent Finnish food in an inspiring setting.