Profane art (or secular art) had its hesitant origin in Finland in the 18th century Isak Wacklin’s rococo portraits and in Nils Schillmark’s paintings, which employed the Neoclassical idiom. Elias Martin’s landscape paintings documenting the fortification of Viapori represent a unique curiosity from the same period. At the turn of the nineteenth century, Finnish artists absorbed influences from the […]

Seurasaari island is an easily accessible spot for outdoor relaxation in Helsinki which can be enjoyed in all seasons, winter being no exception.  Here you can reconnect with nature, enjoy the benefits of winter walking or learn more about Finland’s folk history, all at once. Easy Access Although the open-air museum is closed in the winter, Seurasaari […]

In 1808, Russia invaded Finland. One year later Finland was ceded to Russia, and Helsinki was destroyed by a huge fire. More importantly, in 1812, Czar Alexander I declared Helsinki the new capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. All this paved the way for a new town plan drawn up by Johan Albrecht Ehrenström. […]