The foremost contemporary art gallery in Finland, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is one of the three arms of the Finnish National Gallery. Kiasma’s collection is comprised primarily of Finnish contemporary art but is also the host of a number of international contemporary art exhibitions.
The need for a contemporary art museum in Finland had been recognised for several decades and in 1990, as a temporary solution, the Museum of Contemporary Art was opened and housed in the Ateneum Museum.
Within two years the first steps towards the museum’s own home were taken – a design competition was launched and in 1993 American architect Steven Holl’s design entitled ‘Kiasma’ was chosen as the winner. The architectural design beautifully plays on the natural light and its spatial proportions are designed to be capable of hosting contemporary art in all its variety.
About the Collection
(Image: Maritta Jones / Discover Helsinki)
Kiasma’s collection focuses on works created by artists from 1970 onwards. Their collection currently includes over 8000 pieces and around 100 new works are added every year. Exhibitions are not static, changing continuously and often in co-operation with artists who produce work for the exhibitions specifically. While the focus is on Finnish contemporary art, their range is quite diverse, making Kiasma perhaps the foremost contemporary art gallery in the Nordic region.
Exhibitions to see now
Co-existence
What is our place in the world? As humans, we assume a sense of superiority, but to what extent should we make that assumption? Co-existence is a wide-ranging exhibition with a diverse number of artists that examines such questions along with topics like neo-spirituality and the role of alternative knowledge in a present-day context. The show will be expanded in August and will continue until March 1, 2020.
(Image: Maritta Jones / Discover Helsinki)
The Stage is Yours
Currently ongoing on the 4th floor is the interactive exhibition entitled the ‘The Stage is Yours’. The title is self-explanatory – visitors can actively participate and essentially become part of the exhibition themselves. The exhibition presents an opportunity for you to explore your inner artist, whether through drawing, speaking, performing or simply listening. This is not mandatory, so you can enjoy the exhibition by simply observing.
Nervescape VIII
This immensely popular exhibition continues until September 15, 2019. NY based Icelandic artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, aka Shoplifter tries to bring a sense of happiness, innocence and playfulness to her audience through her brilliantly coloured, furry installations. On entering the exhibition you are reminded that touching the pieces is allowed – gently, as you would a shy, old mammoth.
Opening Hours & Tickets
Kiasma is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 – 18; Sundays 10 – 17; Wednesdays to Fridays 10 – 20:30. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Tickets cost €15 per adult, €13 concession. If you are under the age of 18, entry is free. On the first Friday of every month, there is free entry into the museum for all.
Kiasma is located at Mannerheiminaukio 2, 00100, Helsinki.