Sara Hildén Art Museum
Pirkanmaa
Sara Hildén Art Museum, located in Tampere's Särkänniemi district, is a leading institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1979 based on the extensive collection of Finnish businesswoman and art collector Sara Hildén, the museum houses approximately 4,600 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and graphics. The core of its collection emphasizes Finnish art from the 1960s and 1970s, alongside significant international modernist works by artists such as Joan Miró, Francis Bacon, Paul Klee, and Alberto Giacometti. The museum is notable for its sculpture park adjacent to the building and its commitment to rotating exhibitions that highlight both Finnish and global contemporary art. Architecturally, the original museum was designed by Pekka Ilveskoski and was Finland's largest art museum at its opening. Plans for a new building in Tampere's Finlayson area, designed by Janne Hovi, reflect the museum's ongoing evolution. The museum also actively engages in art education and research, making it a vibrant cultural hub in the region.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or early evenings on Wednesdays when the museum offers extended opening hours until 8 PM. Consider purchasing tickets in advance or using the Museum Card for free entry. The museum is wheelchair accessible and features a sculpture park outdoors, providing a pleasant experience in good weather. Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and special events to maximize your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's sculpture park, opened in 1979, features around twenty sculptures from its collection.
- •Sara Hildén was inspired by European art museums during her travels and chose the museum's site for its scenic views over Lake Näsijärvi.
- •The museum's collection includes works by internationally renowned artists such as Joan Miró, Francis Bacon, Paul Klee, and Alberto Giacometti.
- •Sara Hildén's foundation also holds the art collection of Finnish graphic artist Pentti Kaskipuro, encompassing works from the 1950s to the 2000s.
- •The museum was Finland's largest art museum when it opened in 1979 and was the first in Tampere specifically built as an art museum.
History
Sara Hildén, born in 1905 in Tampere, was a successful fashion entrepreneur who developed a passion for contemporary art in the 1940s and 1950s.
In 1961, she began assembling an art collection funded by her business ventures, which led to the establishment of the Sara Hildén Foundation in 1962.
The museum opened in 1979, initially housed in a specially designed building next to the Särkänniemi amusement park.
It was Finland's largest art museum at the time and Tampere's first purpose-built art museum.
Over time, the collection has expanded to include prominent Finnish and international modern and contemporary artworks.
A new museum building was commissioned in the 2020s to further develop the institution's presence in Tampere.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Halls1979
These interconnected galleries display the core collection focusing on Finnish modern art from the 1960s and 1970s, as well as international modern and contemporary works. The lighting and layout were carefully designed to complement the artworks.
Sculpture Park1979
Located adjacent to the museum building, the sculpture park features about twenty sculptures from the museum's collection, offering an open-air art experience with views over Lake Näsijärvi.
Pentti Kaskipuro Exhibition
A dedicated exhibition showcasing the extensive works of Finnish graphic artist Pentti Kaskipuro, covering his production from the 1950s to the early 2000s.
Contact
Phone: 03 56543500
