The best art galleries in Helsinki, according to artists

There’s an old rule of gallery-going: some galleries are worth visiting for the space alone. Makasiini Contemporary, one of Helsinki’s newest galleries, is one of them. Set in the former railway workshops at Vallila's Konepaja, now a thriving hub for restaurants, culture and creative businesses, it occupies a striking industrial space with soaring ceilings to match its artistic ambitions. Come for the architecture, stay for the exhibitions.

After relocating from Turku to Helsinki, Makasiini Contemporary now has room for three exhibitions at a time. Its largest gallery is perfectly suited to monumental works.

Konepajanpasaasi 2, Konepaja, Vallila. Open Tuesday-Friday 11.00-18.00 and Saturday-Sunday 12.00-16.00. 

‘When talking about Helsinki’s art galleries, it’s hard to overlook the “big three”: Galerie Anhava, Galerie Forsblom and Helsinki Contemporary – all beautifully located near Ruttopuisto. These galleries represent the very best of Finnish contemporary art.

Housed in an old art nouveau building, Galerie Anhava focuses on conceptual art. One of its special features is the basement space beneath the main gallery, often used for video works,’ explains Helsinki-based art critic Harri Mäcklin.

Address: Fredrikinkatu 43

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 11:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 12:00–16:00

‘Helsinki Contemporary’s space is the closest among Helsinki’s galleries to that classic image of an art gallery as a white cube: it’s almost dazzlingly white. Take a moment to notice the front-door handle – it might just be the finest in the whole city,’ says Harri Mäcklin.

‘Helsinki Contemporary is one of the city’s best-known galleries, a well-connected space with an always-intriguing line-up. Expect Finnish and Nordic emerging and mid-career artists, plus media art, painting and sculpture,’ recommends Leevi Haapala.

Leevi Haapala (PhD) is the Dean of the Academy of Fine Arts at Uniarts Helsinki for the 2024–2029 term. He has previously served, among other roles, as Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.

Address: Bulevardi 10

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 12:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 12:00–16:00

‘Located in the stunning Suomitalo building on Lönnrotinkatu, Galerie Forsblom is the largest gallery in Helsinki – no other has spaces quite like it. Its airy, light-filled rooms are ideal for large-scale works and often attract international names. Smaller side galleries host more intimate exhibitions, and there are usually two or three shows on at once,’ says Harri Mäcklin.

‘The atmosphere at Forsblom is bright and calm, and it’s a lovely place to visit with children as there’s plenty of space to move around. I always discover something new here,’ adds visual designer Essi Verlin.

Address: Yrjönkatu 22
Opening hours: Tue–Fri 11:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 12:00–16:00

‘Opened in 2017, Kohta has firmly established itself among Helsinki’s leading art spaces. Its programme is high-quality and diverse – from retrospectives of major Finnish artists to shows by emerging international names.

Kohta is a great example of how galleries are moving into new areas and spaces. It’s located in Teurastamo, a former slaughterhouse complex that now buzzes with restaurants and creative venues. Following Kohta’s lead, other galleries like Galleria Huuto have also moved there. The area has a relaxed, almost Berlin-like atmosphere,’ says Harri Mäcklin.

Address: Työpajankatu 2 B

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 12:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 12:00–16:00

‘Founded by Sakari Tervo, Pitted Dates is known for its knack for presenting something unexpected every time. It started out in an empty kitchen in a Herttoniemi shopping centre and now operates in a former cold storage space at Teurastamo. Tervo’s background as a visual artist shows in his approach to curation and in the way he talks about art.

The visitor experience here is carefully considered, with the art always at the centre. Works are in dialogue with each other but never tied to a single medium. There are no traditional wall texts – instead, they might take the form of poetry or sound installations. Each exhibition quite literally begins with an artwork,’ explains sculptor Man Yau, Helsinki-based artist and Finland’s Young Artist of the Year 2025.

Address: Työpajankatu 2, Teurastamo R1

Opening hours: Sundays 14:00–16:00 or by appointment

‘At Lokal in Punavuori, you’ll find an inspiring mix of contemporary art and design with truly current curation. Exhibitions feature sculptures, ceramics, paintings and crafts by Finnish artists and makers – a real reflection of the Finnish moment.

It’s a wonderful place to get inspired. The gallery has a warm, welcoming feel, and the adjoining shop makes it even easier to step inside and browse. You can buy artworks, ceramics, jewellery, paintings and accessories,’ recommends Essi Verlin.

Address: Annankatu 9

Opening hours: Wed 11:00–19:00, Sat 11:00–16:00, Sun 12:00–16:00

‘Make Your Mark is a hub for urban art and an art supply shop in Sörnäinen. It blends street art, graffiti and graphic prints from both emerging and established artists. It became one of my favourites after I saw a Jaakko Mattila exhibition there.

Street art is often political, thought-provoking and deeply expressive. When I visit galleries like this, I get to challenge my own thinking and the way I see the world. After every visit, I walk out feeling a little clearer about myself,’ says Essi Verlin.

Address: Kaasutehtaankatu 1

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 12:00–19:00, Sat 11:00–16:00, Sun 12:00–16:00

‘Located in Kallio, Galleria Loisti has quickly become a favourite among Helsinki’s art crowd. It showcases exciting works by a younger generation of artists, from visual art to sculpture. At exhibition openings, the small space fills up fast, and people spill out onto the street to hang out. Opened in 2024, the gallery has a relaxed and welcoming vibe,’ says Konsta Koivisto.

Address: Vaasankatu 15

Opening hours: Vary by exhibition

‘In Ruoholahti, Forum Box is one of the most atmospheric galleries in Helsinki. Art looks perfectly at home in its concrete space – rough-edged, minimalist and striking. Founded as a cooperative at the initiative of sculptor Kain Tapper, it presents a wide range of contemporary art, from painting to video installations,’ explains Konsta Koivisto.

Address: Ruoholahdenranta 3A

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 12:00–17:00