Located at the famous Rautatientori square, opposite of the equally well known Helsinki Central Railway Station, The Ateneum is known for containing the largest and most varied collections of classical art in all of Finland. Until recently, the building even housed the prestigious Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, as well as the University of Art and Design of Helsinki. This building was designed by architect Theodor Hoijer and was completed over one hundred years ago, in 1887.
The art on display begins before you even enter the building, with the façade of the building being decorated with statues and reliefs peppered with important symbolic imagery. Above the main entrance, you’ll find a trio of busts portraying three of the most important classical artists of Finland. These are the architect Bramante, the painter Raphael and the sculptor Phidias representing three of the major classical artforms, with the fourth, music, being represented on the floor above.