The history of collecting at the National Museum of Finland dates back to the late 18th century. The collections comprise material from different periods, originally acquired by various institutions and brought together in 1893 to form the State Historical Museum. From the 1880s onwards, collections were systematically assembled for the planned national museum. In keeping with the prevailing concept of a universal museum, substantial amounts of material from other countries were also acquired during the 19th century.
Since 1916, when the National Museum of Finland opened to the public, the collections have been developed systematically. Today, they comprise the numismatic, historical, ethnological, Independence Era, ethnographic and Finno-Ugric collections, as well as the collections of the Maritime Museum of Finland, the music collection, prison collection and collection of architectural fragments. Together, they constitute Finland’s most extensive cultural history collection, comprising approximately 590,000 objects.
The National Museum of Finland documents Finland’s history as a state, as well as nationally significant historical and cultural turning points and the materials and phenomena associated with them. The museum’s task is to document the histories and realities, memories and objects of people living in Finland, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic background or sexual orientation. By documenting and presenting the diversity of society, the museum promotes dialogue, research and understanding and enables the writing of history from multiple perspectives.
The work of the National Museum of Finland is founded on well-managed, high-quality, researched, multivocal and accessible collections. They form a shared memory and constitute a nationally and internationally unique part of our cultural heritage. Collections work and documentation are carried out systematically and sustainably, in interaction with different communities. The aim is to foster participatory and inclusive museum work that recognises different communities and cultures.
The collections are also actively developed through the documentation of contemporary phenomena, ensuring that meaningful material from our time is preserved for future generations. Contemporary collecting documents the activities of the state as well as interactions between the state and its citizens, communities and civil society. Current phenomena and major changes in society are also documented.
Museums serve their communities and audiences in increasingly effective and innovative ways while responding to changing needs. Collections are a form of living cultural heritage, and their accessibility to different audiences must be ensured.
The collections are being made available to the public through an increasing range of channels by harnessing new technologies, developing new ways of working, and promoting the mobility and digitisation of collections. Digital and physical services and the visitor experience are continuously developed.
The greatest challenge, and our greatest responsibility towards future generations, is to ensure that the collections are well managed and maintained on a sustainable basis. Social, economic and ecological sustainability are taken into account in the acquisition, preservation, care and use of the collections. Collections work is also culturally and socially sustainable: it aims to be as open, accessible and equitable as possible.
Addressing the legacy of colonialism, decolonising museum practices and actively pursuing repatriation have become increasingly important aspects of collections work, both in Finland and internationally. The National Museum of Finland promotes international cooperation in returning cultural heritage to communities and countries of origin.