Eero Nelimarkka exhibition opens at the Ateneum this March

A major new exhibition of Finnish painter Eero Nelimarkka’s work will open at Helsinki’s Ateneum Art Museum on 13 March 2026, offering a fresh look at one of Finland’s most versatile artists.

Coming hot on the heels of a hugely popular show devoted to Gustav Klimt, this long-planned exhibition finally gives Nelimarkka his well-deserved moment in the spotlight. 

Born in Vaasa in 1891, Nelimarkka (1891–1977) rose from humble beginnings to become one of his country’s most beloved painters, known especially for his richly observed rural landscapes of South Ostrobothnia. But his output was broader than many realise, including a striking number of self-portraits and still lifes imbued with a quietly enigmatic, almost magical realism.

Though Nelimarkka’s name may not carry the same international resonance as the likes of Gallen-Kallela or Helene Schjerfbeck, his work is deeply rooted in Finnish cultural history and reflects a unique vision of landscape, humanity and everyday life.

Exhibition details
Eero Nelimarkka
Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki
13 March – 13 September 2026
Tickets with standard museum admission