Amos Rex
Uusimaa
Amos Rex is a contemporary art museum located beneath Lasipalatsi Square in Helsinki, Finland. Opened in 2018, it is named after Amos Anderson, a publisher and arts patron, and serves as a modern continuation of the Amos Anderson Art Museum that operated from 1965 to 2017. The museum features underground exhibition spaces with distinctive conical domes on the surface that allow natural light inside, blending modern architecture with historic surroundings. It offers a dynamic programme of contemporary art, media art, and experimental installations, attracting around 250,000 visitors annually. The museum specializes in Finnish 20th and 21st-century art, housing approximately 6,000 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings, graphics, photography, textiles, furniture, and glass and ceramic objects. Amos Rex emphasizes open and accessible spaces to engage both locals and international visitors and has gained rapid international popularity since its opening. Its innovative design was created by JKMM Architects, integrating the museum beneath the historic Lasipalatsi building while preserving the urban landscape.
Plan your trip to Finland with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekdays or outside major exhibition openings to avoid crowds. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended due to the museum's popularity, especially for special exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Exploring the rooftop domes provides unique photo opportunities and a connection between the underground galleries and the city above. Check the official website for current exhibitions and opening hours.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's rooftop features five distinctive conical domes that serve as skylights and public art elements.
- •Amos Rex attracted over 10,000 visitors within weeks of its 2018 opening and now welcomes around 250,000 annually.
- •The immersive exhibition by the teamLab collective in 2018 drew 268,000 visitors, significantly exceeding initial visitor projections.
- •The museum's design was led by JKMM Architects, who also designed Turku Main Library and the Finnish pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
- •Amos Rex is located beneath Lasipalatsi, a historic building on Helsinki's Mannerheimintie boulevard.
History
The museum traces its origins to the Amos Anderson Art Museum, established in 1965 in Amos Anderson's former home and offices in Helsinki.
Due to spatial limitations for contemporary art exhibitions, plans were made in the early 2010s to build a new underground annex beneath Lasipalatsi Square.
The new museum, Amos Rex, opened in 2018, designed to offer modern exhibition spaces while honoring Anderson's legacy.
The funding and ownership are maintained by the Finnish-Swedish arts foundation Konstsamfundet.
Amos Rex quickly became a cultural landmark, attracting a large number of visitors with its immersive exhibitions and innovative architecture.
Place Guide
Underground Exhibition Halls2018
The main exhibition spaces are located underground beneath Lasipalatsi Square, featuring flexible galleries designed for contemporary art, media installations, and experimental exhibitions.
Rooftop Domes2018
Five conical glass domes protrude from the surface of Lasipalatsi Square, serving as skylights and distinctive architectural features that connect the underground museum with the cityscape above.
Lasipalatsi Building1930s
The historic Lasipalatsi building, constructed in the 1930s, sits above the museum and is integrated into its design, preserving Helsinki's architectural heritage while housing modern cultural facilities.
Contact
Phone: 09 6844460
