Finnish Museum of Natural History
Explore Earth's wonders, from ancient dinosaurs to Finland's diverse wildlife, across three floors of captivating exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Finnish Museum of Natural History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Earth's wonders, from ancient dinosaurs to Finland's diverse wildlife, across three floors of captivating exhibits.
"Easily one of the best Natural History Museums in the world, better than the Smithsonian!"
Download the Audio Tour
Enhance your visit with an audio tour for deeper insights into exhibits.
Check for English Descriptions
While some exhibits have limited English, look for sections with full translations for a better understanding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Exhibition
Third Floor
Marvel at impressive dinosaur skeletons and fossils, a guaranteed hit for all ages. The Giganotosaurus is a particular crowd-pleaser!
Finnish Wildlife Dioramas
Second Floor
Explore lifelike dioramas showcasing Finland's diverse animal species in their natural habitats. An immersive glimpse into local biodiversity.
Preserved Specimens
Temperature-controlled room
Discover a fascinating collection of preserved animals in jars, offering a unique scientific perspective on biodiversity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download the Audio Tour
Enhance your visit with an audio tour for deeper insights into exhibits.
Check for English Descriptions
While some exhibits have limited English, look for sections with full translations for a better understanding.
Don't Miss the Dinosaurs!
The prehistoric hall is a major highlight, especially for families.
Touch Real Animal Skins
Engage with interactive exhibits, including touching real animal skins and leathers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download the Audio Tour
Enhance your visit with an audio tour for deeper insights into exhibits.
Check for English Descriptions
While some exhibits have limited English, look for sections with full translations for a better understanding.
Don't Miss the Dinosaurs!
The prehistoric hall is a major highlight, especially for families.
Touch Real Animal Skins
Engage with interactive exhibits, including touching real animal skins and leathers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Finnish Museum of Natural History for its impressive dinosaur exhibition and detailed displays of Finnish wildlife. The lifelike dioramas and interactive elements are highlights, making it engaging for families. However, some find the admission price a bit high for the duration, and limited English descriptions in certain sections can be a drawback.
"The Natural History Museum in Helsinki is an engaging and well-curated space spread across three floors, offering a journey through nature, science, and deep history.
At the ground floor an elephant greets you in.
The second floor is particularly impressive, with its detailed and beautifully presented displays of Finland’s diverse species — a fascinating way to understand the country’s wildlife in a single visit.
The third floor is where the real excitement begins, especially for younger visitors. The prehistoric exhibition is brought to life with its star attractions: the dinosaurs. These displays are both educational and spectacular, making them a highlight of the museum and a guaranteed favorite for families with children.
Overall, the museum strikes a fine balance between learning and fun, making it an excellent destination for families, tourists, and anyone with a curiosity for the natural world. The only real downside is the souvenir shop, which could benefit from a wider selection of items tied directly to the exhibitions — especially prehistoric-themed gifts, which would be a natural hit. Also it would be nice if the entrance in the museum could be included in the Helsinki Card among the other museums"
Christos Ioannou
"We had a really enjoyable time at the Natural History Museum in Bern — it honestly felt like walking through a zoo, except the animals didn’t move! The life-sized dioramas of animals in their natural habitats were incredibly well done, with realistic poses and environmental details like birds in flight or a tiger mid-hunt. It was immersive and impressive.
A standout experience was the preserved animal specimens in jars inside a temperature-controlled lab-like room. There were also interactive exhibits explaining DNA preservation — a cool scientific touch. We especially enjoyed the section where we could touch real animal skins and leathers. The staff member there was friendly and engaging — sadly, the only one who seemed to care. Another staff member we asked about the dinosaur section had no idea what was in the museum, which was frustrating and unhelpful.
Unfortunately, we were excited to see the dinosaur exhibition, but it was either closed or we completely missed it. That was a major letdown (which was the reason for 4 stars), and the lack of English descriptions throughout the museum didn’t help either. Only the Barry the rescue dog section had full English support.
Still, the sheer variety of animals — from insects to elephants — and the overall quality of the exhibits make this a must-see in Bern. Just don’t confuse it with the other nearby "history museum," which was painfully dull in comparison. Give me animals over Einstein's biography any day."
Isuru Chamara
"Absolutely amazing!!! There are 3 floors. They display bones, fossils, animals in the ocean, desert, tropical forest,... The models look so real and have a story for the scene. Highly recommend when u're in Helsinki."
Trần Thảo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Helsinki and easily accessible by public transport. Tram lines 2, 4, 7, and 10 stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the central railway station.
Street parking is available in the surrounding areas, but it can be limited and metered. Public transport is generally recommended for easier access.
While some museums are included in the Helsinki Card, it's advisable to check the latest inclusions as it may not always cover the Natural History Museum.
The museum is generally accessible, with elevators available to reach different floors. It's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Typically, it's open Tuesday to Sunday.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, with some visitors noting it might be a bit pricey for a shorter visit. Check the official website for current ticket prices.
Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to save time, especially during busy periods.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Inquire at the ticket counter or check the museum's website for details.
Re-entry policies can vary. It's best to confirm with museum staff at the entrance if you plan to leave and return later.
Usually, pre-booked tickets allow for quicker entry. Look for designated lines or follow staff instructions upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the impressive dinosaur skeletons on the third floor, the lifelike Finnish wildlife dioramas on the second, and the unique preserved specimens.
Absolutely! The dinosaur exhibition and interactive displays are particularly engaging for kids.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours to explore all three floors thoroughly. Some find it can be a bit pricey for just an hour's visit.
While not always explicitly advertised, inquire at the information desk about potential guided tours or audio guides to enhance your experience.
The museum is spread across three floors. Start from the ground floor and work your way up, or focus on specific exhibits that interest you most.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe or snack area where you can purchase refreshments. Check the museum's website for current offerings.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls. There might be designated areas for picnics.
Yes, the museum is located in a central area of Helsinki with numerous restaurants and cafes nearby offering various cuisines.
Expect typical cafe fare like coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks.
Prices at museum cafes can be slightly higher than outside establishments, but convenient for a quick bite.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always check for signage.
Some special exhibitions might have restrictions on photography. Be mindful of any signs or staff instructions.
The dinosaur skeletons, the grand elephant at the entrance, and the detailed wildlife dioramas offer great photo opportunities.
Tripods are often not allowed to avoid obstructing other visitors. It's best to confirm this policy with the museum.
The second-floor exhibits showcasing Finland's diverse species provide excellent opportunities to capture the essence of local nature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
On the second floor, the lifelike dioramas of Finnish wildlife offer an engaging way for children to learn about local animals. The museum's layout is generally accessible for strollers, and the variety of exhibits ensures there's something to keep children of all ages entertained and educated. Consider downloading an audio tour to enhance their learning experience.
🌍 Curious Travelers
Take advantage of the audio tour to gain deeper insights into the exhibits, especially the detailed explanations of Finnish wildlife and the evolutionary journey of dinosaurs. The museum's central location in Helsinki also makes it an easy addition to any city itinerary.
📚 Educational Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the interactive elements that explain scientific processes like DNA preservation. While English descriptions can be limited in some areas, the visual storytelling and the sheer volume of specimens provide ample learning opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Dinosaur Hall
Beyond the massive skeletons, the exhibition includes smaller specimens like the Compsognathus and the fascinating Archaeopteryx, showcasing the evolution of birds. The Gastornis skeleton also stands out, representing a different era of avian giants. The displays are thoughtfully curated to provide context and information, making the experience engaging for all ages. It's a journey back in time that leaves a lasting impression.
Many visitors consider the dinosaur exhibition alone worth the admission price. The realistic presentation and the sheer grandeur of the fossils create a memorable experience. It's a testament to the museum's commitment to bringing natural history to life, offering a captivating look at Earth's ancient inhabitants.
Discovering Finland's Wildlife
These exhibits allow you to see Finland's wildlife up close, from its smallest insects to its largest mammals, all within a single visit. The realistic poses and environmental details in the dioramas, such as birds in flight or a tiger mid-hunt, make the displays incredibly engaging and educational. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the natural heritage of Finland without leaving the city.
This section is particularly valuable for those interested in local fauna and ecosystems. It provides a fascinating overview of the animals that inhabit Finland, highlighting their adaptations and the environments they thrive in. The quality of the presentation ensures that even casual observers will find something to marvel at.
Unique Collections and Interactive Elements
The museum also incorporates interactive exhibits that explain complex scientific concepts, such as DNA preservation. These hands-on elements make learning more accessible and engaging. Visitors often highlight the opportunity to touch real animal skins and leathers, offering a tactile connection to the natural world.
While the staff engagement can be inconsistent, the unique nature of these exhibits, from the preserved specimens to the interactive displays, adds significant value to the museum visit. These elements cater to a curious mind, offering insights that go beyond typical museum displays.
![Finlandia Hall - Finlandia Hall is a congress and event venue in the centre of Helsinki on the Töölönlahti Bay, owned by the City of Helsinki. Finlandia Hall features an optical illusion[citation needed]: the National Museum building on the other side of the street seems to rise from the edge of the Finlandia Hall tower. The effect is created by a black trapezium on the white marble surface of the Finlandia Hall tower. The trapezium has been measured to fit the rising tower of the National Museum when the Finlandia Hall is viewed from the eastern shore of the Töölönlahti Bay.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1622914844435-a8be63fa3403%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxGaW5sYW5kaWElMjBIYWxsfGVufDB8MHx8fDE3NTgwMTYwODN8MA%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=3840&q=75)
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