10 Top Art Galleries in Tampere

The main art museum of the city deserves a mention, not only for the art on display, but also for the contribution it makes to the local community. As well as senior days and children’s workshops, the museum holds the Young Artist of the Year award to give increased visibility to new artists and offer them a chance to exhibit in a major city gallery. The museum collection also holds 14,500 pieces, including the art collection donated by Moomin artist Tove Jansson and her partner Tuulikki Pietilä.

Located in the Särkänniemi Amusement Park complex, the Sara Hilden Museum is an unusual and interesting museum to visit if you want something different from rollercoasters. The gallery exhibits works by national and international artists, many of which make their debut in the Nordic countries in this museum, and there are regular concerts and events inside. The outdoor sculpture park has a small garden of abstract sculptures to wander through.

This museum contains the collection of entrepreneur and art collector Emil Aaltonen, who pioneered shoe making in Finland, inside the manor house he once called home. There is also a permanent exhibit about his life and achievements. It is a small but intimate museum where you can learn much about the history of Tampere’s art and industry.

The world’s biggest collection of artworks and sketches of the Moomin franchise has recently moved from the basement of the Tampere Art Museum into its own premises in Tampere Hall. Already the new museum has attracted Moomin fans from around the world to see the collection and take part in the workshops. The main attraction is the replica Moomin House, which was handmade by Jansson and Pietilä.

This isn’t only a gallery for photographic arts, but also a meeting space and reference library for photographers and researchers. Entry to both is free, and it is a chance to see work by new artists or just relax in the library. Nykyaika is Finnish for ‘modern times’.

A charming art museum located in a beautiful old building, Hiekka is also named after one of Tampere’s former entrepreneurs, Kustaa Hiekka. Hiekka was a goldsmith who founded Finland’s precious metal industry and also collected art, making over 40 international trips during his life to collect new pieces. Many of these can be seen in the museum in Hiekka’s former home, modelled after how it would have looked during his lifetime.

A former workhouse building converted into a modern art gallery, Haihara features an extensive summer programme of art exhibits, live performances, outdoor concerts and art workshops. The centre and café are open only during the summer.

A modern-art gallery full of experimental visual and video art, Rajatila is another non-profit gallery offering exposure to new and emerging artists, and you can buy their art books in the shop. A lot of bold and fresh new ideas are brought forth from this gallery, making it a must for enthusiasts.