Day 2. The National Library of Finland and the Bank of Finland Museum

On By Little Miss TravellerIn Finland, Helsinki & Espoo July 2017, Northern Europe

Dominating Senate Square is Helsinki Cathedral, built in the neo-classical style this landmark building was completed in 1852 and its tall green dome can be seen from many parts of the city.  Senate Square was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in 1852 and the cathedral was his masterpiece, majestically dominating the surrounding buildings.  The large flight of steps leading up to the cathedral act as seating when performances are taking place in the square below.  I’ve visited the cathedral before so if you would like to read about the interior you can do so in my previous post here.

Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral

To the left of the cathedral stands the University of Helsinki and just beyond it is the National Library of Finland.  Being a lover of books it was only fitting that we should take a look inside this building.

National Library of Finland
National Library of Finland

The library is both the oldest and largest library in Finland and is responsible for the collection and preservation of Finland’s printed national heritage.  Anyone is welcome to visit the library and it is unnecessary to hold a library card.  Bags and coats must be left for safe keeping in the ornate wooden lockers near the door and there is no charge for this service.

Reading Room at the National Library of Finland
Reading Room at the National Library of Finland

The library is divided into two principal buildings, its large halls all being connected to each other.  Leaving the foyer we stepped into the splendid Cuppola Hall, connected to two ornate side rooms, the North Hall and the South Hall which are both now used as reading rooms.  The columns are coated with stucco marble and each hall has its own colour scheme.  I just loved the exquisite painted ceilings which are from 1881.  The three halls form a unique suite of rooms in Finnish architectural history, an academic temple devoted to research and science.

National Library of Finland's Reading Room
National Library of Finland’s Reading Room

Connected to these rooms is the annex called the Rotunda which was built between 1902 and 1906 and designed by architect Gustaf Nyström.  The Rotunda has six floors and its semi circular extension is surrounded by curved bookcases.  Creating natural light, the glass roof is made of iron and its pillars are ornately decorated with reliefs.

Rotunda, National Library of Finland
Rotunda, National Library of Finland

From the top (6th) floor of the Rotunda we could see all the way down to the ground floor level.  The bookcases have intricately engraved numbering on the ends to enable readers to find their required books and the hall is furnished with some delightful antique chairs.

Rotunda, National Library of Finland
Rotunda, National Library of Finland

Interestingly, the bulk of the collection is stored in an underground bunker drilled into solid rock below the library.  The library collections, the largest in Finland include a total of some three million books and periodicals.  We very much enjoyed our visit here, so if you might be in Helsinki and have an opportunity to visit, do take a look for yourselves, the library’s website can be found here.

The Bank of Finland Museum
The Bank of Finland Museum

Strolling across Senate Square we turned left onto Snellmaninkatu to visit the museum of the Bank of Finland.  This museum is open daily except Monday and has free admittance, more details can be found on its website here.  Being interested in economics we found the galleries very informative.

The Bank of Finland Museum
The Bank of Finland Museum

The museum is divided into three sections.  The main theme focuses on the operation of the Bank of Finland and the European system of central banks and their monetary policy.  The history section details the history of cash and monetary developments in Finnish society.  The third gallery focuses on banknotes and displays the developments in banknote design since the early 19th century.

The House of the Estates, Helsinki
The House of the Estates, Helsinki

On the opposite side of the road to the Museum of the Bank of Finland lies the majestic House of the Estates.  This building was constructed in 1891 and is currently used for occasional government meetings as well as being the location for official coalition talks after general elections.  From there we walked the short distance to the market square passing Helsinki City Museum on the far corner of Senate Square.  This museum depicts city life through the years and offers a fascinating insight into how the capital has evolved.  We then took a tram back to the Kamppi district to return to our accommodation after an interesting tour of Senate Square.

If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also like:

Kamppi and Herttoniemi, Helsinki

Stockholm Public Library

The Bank of England Museum

 

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69 thoughts on “Day 2. The National Library of Finland and the Bank of Finland Museum”

    1. I love libraries too and I’d wanted to visit this one for sometime but not managed it previously. The Bank museum was very interesting but so very quiet with only a couple of people plus us. I think it might be a good idea for them to advertise it a bit more.

      Liked by 1 person

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  32. Good Morning Marion.

    High quality post full with information and beautiful post. I see that You are devoted to the subject thoroughly. I have not visited in the Bank of Finland Museum. Last time when I presented Helsinki Cathedral, it was in 2011 inside / outside, winter / summer, as background of Samba Carnivals and once at sunset. Thank You for this well-made post.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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