The Luomus Natural History Museum is one of Finland`s oldest and most respected scientific museums. It is part of the Finnish Museum of Natural History (Luomus) at the University of Helsinki. This is not just a collection of exhibits, but a living research institute, where serious scientific work stands behind every skeleton or mineral. The museum offers an immersion into the fascinating world of nature in Northern Europe and the entire planet.
History: From a Cabinet of Curiosities to a Science Center
The museum`s roots trace back to 1853, when the Zoological Museum of the University of Helsinki was founded. However, its formation as a public museum is linked to the magnificent building at Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, which it moved into in 1913. This building, designed by architect Jarl Eklund, is a monument in itself.
Its monumental neoclassical facade with columns and sculptures depicting flora and fauna symbolizes the triumph of science and enlightenment. The interiors with high vaulted ceilings, marble staircases, and original display cases made of dark wood and glass have preserved the spirit of the early 20th century.
Permanent Exhibitions
The museum`s collection numbers millions of specimens, but the most valuable and spectacular are displayed in three main halls, named after great naturalist scientists.
The Hall of Divine Creation (The "Nature of Finland" Gallery): This is the heart of the museum, dedicated to local nature. Here you will walk through all the country`s key landscapes: from dense coniferous forests and bogs, where you can encounter bears, moose, and lynx, to rocky archipelagos and sea coasts with their bird colonies. The hall`s uniqueness lies in its incredibly detailed dioramas, created in the early 20th century. They don`t just show animals; they recreate entire ecosystems down to every blade of grass and patch of moss, transporting you straight into the wilderness.
The Hall of Life`s History (The "History of Life" Gallery): This exhibition narrates the evolution of life on Earth, from the first bacteria to the giants of the Ice Age. The main exhibits of this hall include:
• Skeleton of a Steller`s Sea Cow: An authentic and one of the few complete skeletons in the world. This marine mammal, discovered in 1741, was hunted to extinction in just 27 years. Its story is a powerful reminder of nature`s fragility.
• Mammoth and Woolly Rhinoceros: Impressive skeletons and models of giants from the glacial era that inhabited the territory of Finland.
• Skeleton of a Plesiosaur and other dinosaur fossils: The paleontological collection includes rare finds.
• The Hall of Bones: A minimalist and captivating exhibition presenting the skeletons of a wide variety of animals—from a tiny shrew to a massive European bison. It`s the perfect place to understand the "architecture" of living beings and compare the structure of a bat`s wing to a human hand.
The "Nature of the World" Hall: Opens a global perspective. Here you can see exotic butterflies, enormous beetles, models of African lions, kangaroos, and inhabitants of distant lands. Special attention is paid to the biodiversity of tropical rainforests and issues of its conservation.
What Makes the Museum Particularly Interesting for Tourists?
• Immersion in Finnish Nature: If you don`t have time for a trip to a national park, the "Nature of Finland" hall provides a comprehensive and beautiful overview of local fauna and landscapes.
• Unique World Relics: The Steller`s sea cow is a world-class exhibit worth seeing with your own eyes.
• Atmosphere of a Classic Museum: This is a museum in the classic, best sense of the word. A calm, thoughtful atmosphere prevails here, allowing you to examine details and sense the history.
• Ideal for Families with Children: The dioramas and dinosaur skeletons invariably delight young visitors. The museum often holds workshops and children`s events.
• Scientific Background: The labels and descriptions (in Finnish, Swedish, and English) are not only informative but also popular science in nature, discussing modern environmental problems and research.
Convenient Location: The museum is within walking distance from Helsinki Central Railway Station (only about 10 minutes walk), making it a convenient stop on any itinerary.
Practical Information for Visitors:
Allocate 1.5–2.5 hours for your visit. Be sure to go up to the upper floors to appreciate the scale of the "Nature of Finland" hall from the balconies. The museum has a café and a shop with souvenirs, books on nature, and scientific toys.
The main benefit of the Luomus Museum is the opportunity to see and understand the nature of Finland and the whole world through the lens of science. Instead of a trip to nature reserves, you can study all the key animals and landscapes of the country in detail in a couple of hours through its famous dioramas. The museum doesn`t just display exhibits; it explains how nature works, tells the story of evolution, and discusses modern environmental issues.
