Touring Helsinki’s galleries

Beyond Helsinki’s museums, visiting art fans should take note of the city’s artist-run galleries. The best-known small galleries are located in the centre of the city, while new alternative spaces have recently emerged in trend-conscious neighbourhoods such as Kallio.

Acclimating oneself with Helsinki’s art scene is easy, as many gallery spaces in the centre of town are located close to one another.

During just one walking tour, one can visit several different galleries and get a good sense of Finnish modern art and the local art scene.

At the city’s most central galleries, one can get acquainted with a range of art forms, from photography and painting to video and sculpture. Among the galleries regularly showcasing noteworthy modern art are Galerie Forsblom and Galerie Anhava.

Going commercial, with ambition

According to critic Timo Valjakka, Helsinki is home to roughly half a dozen commercial and artistically ambitious modern art galleries. An active art fan, he adds, usually visits exhibits at Forsblom and Anhava, as both showcase works from A-list artists.

“Forsblom is the only one that shows international megastars such as Julian Schnabel, Peter Halley and Tony Oursler. At Anhava, meanwhile, one can check out big-name Nordic artists in addition to Finnish works,” says Valjakka. Among other commercial galleries he also singles out Kalhama-Piippo Contemporary as well as Heino, Ama and Korjaamo galleries.

Among galleries run by local artists’ associations is Sculptor at Helsinki’s South Harbour, which, true to its name, shows sculptures. Another one is Hippolyte, which specialises in photography and will move into a new space in the centre of Helsinki in early 2012. Near these two are also other galleries run by artists’ organisations. Forum Box near Hietalahti market, for example, hosts various events in addition to exhibits.

Avant-garde and alternative attitudes

Those in search of avant-garde can head to Kluuvi or Sinne galleries and also stay updated on happenings at two small Huuto (”scream”) galleries.

“Critics and museum representatives as well as owners of commercial galleries follow these galleries carefully, and sometimes make discoveries,” says Valjakka.

Oksasenkatu 11 in Töölö is a noteworthy alternative gallery. Napa gallery and Myymälä2 in the neighbourhood of Punavuori boast a youthful attitude.

The spirited, arts-oriented neighbourhood of Kallio is also home to a gallery scene: among its best spaces are Alkovi, Kallio Kunsthalle and Kingi Kongi; the quickly emerging Suvilahti neighbourhood, meanwhile, has Make Your Mark, which promotes street art.