Finnish Citizens' Museum

The country's most accessible exhibition space

Eliel Saarinen's Central Station has been a symbol of Finnish urban culture for over a century. It is an internationally acclaimed design classic that has served as both a gateway to the world and part of Finland's self-image.

Located in the station's west wing at the Elielinaukio entrance, the Finnish Citizens' Museum opens a new chapter in this story. The exhibition space brings Finnish art and design to Finland's busiest building free of charge for everyone to experience.

Free admission every day 06–24.

The space has barrier-free access.

Open call for the 2027 exhibition season underway now – apply for a free exhibition Period by 1 November

The Finnish Citizens' Museum is seeking new exhibitions for the season beginning in February 2027. Topics during the first season have ranged from Tapio Wirkkala's design to 110 years of Suomen Kuvalehti covers, jobseekers' experiences, street photography, sound art, and cultural encounters.

Now we are once again looking for different perspectives on Finnishness and innovative presentation formats that make use of the Central Station's public Environment.

The question is simple: if something is meaningful to you, could it be meaningful to others as well?

The call is open to individual creators, working groups, communities, and organisations. Use of the exhibition space is free of charge for Selected creators. The exhibition Period lasts for one month, and practical execution details are agreed upon separately with Selected participants.

How to apply

Send your application by 1 November 2026 to asema@fabrik.fi.

The application should state:

what you want to bring to the exhibition and why
what the overall exhibition concept would be
how it would be implemented in the space

You may include images, sketches, and a link to your portfolio, Website, or social media channels.

How are exhibitions selected?

Exhibitions are selected by a curatorial team. Selection criteria include the appeal of the idea and its connection to Finland or Finnishness, how well it works for a broad audience, and its feasibility within the Central Station's open public Environment.

Exhibitions must be lawful, safe, and respectful. Content must not contain hate speech, discrimination, or material offensive to individuals. The curatorial team assesses all applications in accordance with these principles.

West wing: a new stage for bold visions – rent commercial premises in Finland's most iconic building

The Central Station's west wing is now opening in a way that reveals its true scale and potential for new business ventures. These monumental and historically charged spaces offer a rare blend of architectural prestige, nationwide visibility, and a daily flow of thousands of passers-by.

The Citizens' Museum shows what the west wing can achieve through culture – and what possibilities it opens up for operators who want to bring their bold vision into Steissi's next century.

Read more about the premises, Contact us and rent commercial space in Finland's most iconic and busiest building >>

Latest updates

Hakijat exhibition brings the face of unemployment to the station

Jussi Ratilainen, who photographed the official portrait of President of the Republic Alexander Stubb, turned his camera to unemployed Finns. Opening at Helsinki Central Station on Thursday 20 August, the Hakijat exhibition shares the stories of six jobseekers in a place through which around 250,000 people pass each day.

AVELA/LAINE: HAUNTING

What remains visible in the City when you stop to look a little closer? H(A)UNTING examines how the past and unrealised futures are still present in the here and now.

Paintings from the interfaces of eras and worlds

The Citizens' Museum's third exhibition opens today in the west wing of Helsinki Central Station. Windows and Carpets presents works by Uliana Novak, a self-taught artist born in the Russian Federation who has lived in Finland since 2010.

All latest updates

Helsinki Central Railway Station

Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Suomi

The Helsinki Central Railway Station is open every day of the year Mon–Sun 05:00 – 02:00.

The opening hours of restaurants and services vary from business to business. You can find the opening hours of the restaurants and services on their websites.

Privacy Notice