Archaeological research in Helsinki

In addition to archaeological research and documentation, Helsinki City Museum monitors the planning of land use in Helsinki and is responsible for expert and official tasks related to regional land use planning, master planning and urban planning of antiquities. The fortifications from the First World War also belong to this group.
 

In the provincial museum area, Espoo City Museum is responsible for the sites recognised under the Protection of Antiquities Act that are located in Espoo. The National Board of Antiquities takes care of the archaeology-related research and official activities in the other municipalities of Central Uusimaa.

The Archaeologist carries out field investigations and provides archaeological advice to local museums, associations and private clients. The City Museum has concentrated on urban archaeological research in Helsinki, which includes project-oriented and construction-work related digs and excavation work supervision in the City of Helsinki.

The main emphasis of the City Museum's archaeological collections is on finds dating back to the 16th - early 19th century. Ask the Archaeologist for more information of the reports on the archaeological excavations, monitoring tasks and inventories carried out in the city by the City Museum.

Archaeological Days and walking tours

A couple of times a year, the Museum's Archaeologists run urban archaeological workshops and walks for schoolchildren. The Museum's historical walks in Helsinki for the general public have also been very popular.

For information on antiquities and archaeological research, please contact the Helsinki City Museum's Curator Markku Heikkinen.

Fixed antiquities are protected under the Antiquity Act (Finlex). Antiquities and objects found in the ground that are over 100 years old and of unknown ownership belong to the state. Please contact the City Museum or the National Board of Antiquities.

Cultural environment register portal

The register, maintained by the National Board of Antiquities, contains information on all antiquities in Finland, their care and the research projects related to them, as well as on archaeological object finds. 

Basic information on buildings protected under the building protection legislation can also be found in the building heritage register. The information contained in the registers is continuously added to and updated in connection with official and research activities.