Mad about Helsinki

Opening on 6 June 2013, Mad about Helsinki is the new exhibition in the main building of Helsinki City Museum at Sofiankatu 4.

Mad about Helsinki will provide a unique overview of the city’s history to shed light on the past in a new way. The themes of the exhibition partly revolve around special places in the city that are close to the locals’ hearts. The entry to the museum is free.

According to the results of a recent survey made to the locals, the places that are dearest to Helsinki residents include popular historical spots such as Senate Square, Suomenlinna and Kaivopuisto Park, but also many lesser-known areas such as quiet seaside districts, peaceful suburban streets and people’s own homes are important. The exhibition presents these favorite places in the context of Helsinki’s past, making these beloved locations even more fascinating by giving them historical depth.

Mad about Helsinki tells the story of Helsinki from the 16th century to the present day in the form of multiple tales that represent the diversity of Helsinki’s residents and the city itself. Twelve Helsinkians from different historical eras, including Mayor Lars Michelsson from the 16th century and Aurora Karamzin, the wife of a colonel who lived in the city in the 19th century, as well as steel spring bed industrialist Kalle Kärkkäinen, representing the 20th century, all tell their city stories. Their life events and eye-witness accounts give visitors to the exhibition insight into how Helsinki grew from a small town of wood buildings into a European metropolis.

All content is exhibited in four languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, and for the first time also in Russian.

Photographs by Signe Brander

Simultaneously with the opening of Mad about Helsinki a smaller exhibition with photographs from Helsinki in the early 20th century is opened. The pictures are taken by the photographer Signe Brander and are on display in the same building on Sofiankatu 4 until September 15.  

History of the museum building