Our Mission and Values

The future always has roots: cultures, the living heritage they embody, and history viewed from different perspectives influence everything that lies ahead.

We carry out high-quality, innovative, goal-oriented, and collaborative museum work to create cultural wisdom and points of reference in a world that is changing faster than ever before.

The mission of the National Museum of Finland is to be present wherever futures are being shaped. Our values are humanity, inspiration, and movement.

As a national museum of cultural history, the National Museum of Finland develops and maintains some of the oldest and most nationally significant cultural history collections in the country. Through its activities, and together with the other national museums (the National Gallery and the Finnish Museum of Natural History), it promotes research into cultural and natural heritage and the arts, as well as their visibility and impact nationwide.

The national museums also play a key role as active contributors to public debate. Their work is characterized by a broad audience base, nationally significant programming, and strong networking and visibility both nationally and internationally.

The collection responsibilities of the national museums define their areas of expertise. They bear a special responsibility for developing museum operations and professional competence in cooperation with the Finnish Heritage Agency and the regional and national museums with special responsibilities.