The exhibition features some of the most well-known works by Gallen-Kallela: Themes from the Kalevala, works depicting Finnish nature and people as well as paintings from the artist’s many trips.

Visitors can learn more about the artist passionate about exploring new techniques, who also created prints, designed medals, textiles, and furniture, and who also worked as an architect.

In addition to the frescos, which were his final major works, early drawings by the young Gallén, suffering from wanderlust, are also exhibited at the National Museum.

The exhibition highlights a prolific artist, tracing the career of the internationally renowned artist in a time when Finland and Europe were at a turning point.

The exhibition includes works from the collection of the National Museum of Finland, as well as other public and private collections.

The opening hours of the National Museum will be extended for the duration of the exhibition: the museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. The museum will also employ a reduced admission of six euros for unemployed people, students and people aged 18–30 years. People under the age of 18 will have free admission.

First and last works of Akseli Gallen-Kallela on display

In addition to the frescos, which were Gallen-Kallela’s last major works, early drawings by the young Gallén, suffering from wanderlust, are on display at the National Museum of Finland.

About a hundred works and objects are on display: paintings, graphic art, drafts and photographs. The exhibition also presents a video documentary of the historical 3D reconstruction of Finland’s pavilion at the 1900 Paris World's Fair (Díaz-Kommonen et al. 2012).

The key loaned exhibition pieces were provided by the National Gallery/Ateneum Art Museum and the Gallen-Kallela Museum.

Pieces were also borrowed from the Anders Wiklöf Collection, Andersudde, Åland, Antti J. Kallio Modern Historic 1900 Collection, Didrichsen Art Museum, Fazer, Gösta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation, Helsinki City Museum, Kalevala Society Foundation, Mannerheim Museum, Picture Collections of the Finnish Heritage Agency, Bank of Finland, Kirpilä Art Collection/Finnish Cultural Foundation and various private collections.

Tickets are always cheaper online

The opening hours of the National Museum on Wednesdays will be extended by two hours for the duration of the exhibition, and the museum will be open from 11:00 to 20:00 on Wednesdays.

A new EUR 6 ticket for 18–30-year-olds, unemployed persons and students is available during the exhibition. Those under 18 years old and Museum Card holders always have free admission to the National Museum. Bear in mind that the tickets are always cheaper in the National Museum's online shop!

Public guided tours in English

• 18.12.2022 at 14:00
• 15.1.2023 at 14:00
• 19.2.2023 at 14:00
• 19.3.2023 at 14:00

Guided tours are included to the entry fee.

Book a guided tour

Book a guided tour of the exhibition for yourself or a group. Tours for adults and school groups are available. The content of the tours for school groups is planned according to the age of the pupils. Learn more about the tours here. Bookings: skm.opastusvaraukset@kansallismuseo.fi or +358 (0)295 33 6902 (Tue–Fri 9:00–12:00)