Museum of Finnish Architecture

The Museum of Finnish Architecture in Helsinki is one of the oldest dedicated architecture museums in the world and has long been a key European centre for modern architecture. It grew out of the photo archive of the Association of Finnish Architects founded in 1949, which itself draws on holdings going back to 1897, and took its present form in 1956. The museum occupies a former scientific society building by Magnus Schjerfbeck on Kasarmitori, a short walk from the Esplanade and harbour. Since its founding it has produced around 450 exhibitions worldwide, shaping the international image of Finnish architecture from Eliel Saarinen and Aalto to today's leading practices. The library of plans and models is open to researchers and students. A planned merger with the Design Museum into a new architecture and design museum is now in preparation.