Urho Kekkonen Museum (Tamminiemi)

The basics

The museum is still furnished as it was in the 1970s, in President Urho Kekkonen’s time, providing an interesting glimpse into Finland’s past. It’s also an architectural masterpiece that will interest fans of European art and design. Built in the Art Nouveau style in 1904 by two Finnish architects, it was originally the residence of a Danish merchant. You can visit the museum independently, as it’s easy to reach from central Helsinki.

Things to know before you go

• Anyone curious about 20th-century Finnish political history and personalities will enjoy having a look around the Urho Kekkonen Museum Tamminiemi.

• The museum requires an entry fee, but kids under 7 go free, and family tickets are available.

• There’s an onsite café, Café Adjutant, that is open throughout most of the winter (except January), making this a good way to see some of the house if you’re visiting during the low season.

• A highlight of taking a tour of the museum is seeing the famous Tamminiemi sauna.

How to get there

The museum is north-west of central Helsinki, overlooking the water. To get there from Helsinki city center, take Bus 24 all the way to Seurasaari, the final stop.

When to get there

The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday during the summer season (May–September) and only on Saturdays and Sundays between October and April. It’s open from late morning until late afternoon year-round. The museum observes several major Finnish holidays, when it is closed.

Visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Just across the water from Tamminiemi is the island of Seurasaari, an open-air museum and public park. The park contains old buildings that have been relocated from elsewhere in Finland, which offer insight into Finnish history and culture. There are also lovely beaches on the island to enjoy in summer. You can buy combined tickets for Tamminiemi and the Open-Air Museum.