The best galleries in Helsinki – 10 spots local artists recommend

‘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

‘One of the city’s most renowned galleries, Helsinki Contemporary is always worth a visit. Well connected in the art world, it showcases works by both rising artists and leading figures in Finnish and Nordic contemporary art.

The gallery occupies a neo-Renaissance building and is known for its striking fluorescent lighting – it’s perhaps the most classic “white cube” space in Helsinki. And don’t miss the door handle: it’s possibly the finest in the city,’ say Harri Mäcklin and Leevi Haapala.

Leevi Haapala (PhD) is Dean of the Academy of Fine Arts at Uniarts Helsinki (2024–2028) and former 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

‘Kuva/Tila operates inside the Academy of Fine Arts’ main building, Mylly, in a stunning 700-square-metre space. It hosts four to five fresh, experimental exhibitions each year, covering all forms of contemporary art. Every May–June, the Kuvan Kevät exhibition showcases the graduation works of around 50 artists.

Located in Sörnäinen, Kuva/Tila is easily accessible and open to everyone – even school groups are welcome. The programme is professional, always with a few surprises. This is the place to discover who’s up next in Finland’s art scene and to meet artists who often supervise their own shows,’ says Leevi Haapala.

Address: Sörnäisten rantatie 19

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00