LANGUAGE IN ACTION –
|
LANGUAGE IN ACTION –
|
Senate Square
The Senate Square and the surrounding buildings form a unique and cohesive
example of Neo-Classicism. This area is crowned by three buildings designed
by C.L. Engel between 1822 and 1852: the Cathedral, the Government Palace,
and the University. The Cathedral is perhaps Finland's most photographed
and recognisable building. It celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2002.
Another of Engel's pearls is the University Library on Unioninkatu. The
oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House located on the
southeast corner of the square. The main building of the City Museum can
be found on the Sofiankatu museum street.
Open: The Cathedral on the Senate Square is open Mon-Sun 9-24.
Parliament
Mannerheimintie 30
Finland's 200-seat parliament gathers in this impressive building representing
1920s Classicism. The facade of the building is made of red granite from
Kalvola. The main facade includes 14 Corinthian columns.
Open: Guided tours: Sat 11 and 12, Sun 12 and 13. Information Centre: Mon-Thu
10-18 and Fri 10-16.
Finlandia Hall
Mannerheimintie 13 e
Finlandia Hall, designed by Alvar Aalto, was completed in 1971, and the
congress wing in 1975. The interior and furnishings were, down to the last
detail, also designed by Aalto. The leading Finnish and internationally
most notable concert and congress hall in Finland, Finlandia Hall welcomes
functions both large and small with delegates numbering anything from 10
to 3,000. It is an elegant building equipped with all modern amenities and
facilities and the setting for financial, political, and cultural events
and meetings. It is also a major architectural sight.
Finnish National Opera
Helsinginkatu 58 (entrance)
Surrounded by park, the Opera, built in the beginning of the 1990's, is
in the inner city and easily accessible by public transport. View from the
main foyer over the sea and city centre. Performances six days a week as
a rule: opera, ballet, premieres, concerts, and other events. Main auditorium,
the intimate Almi Hall, and impressive foyers. Guided tours by arrangement.
Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress
Suomenlinna, Viapori-Sveaborg fortress is one of the biggest sea fortresses
in the world. It was founded in 1748 and built by Augustin Ehrensvärd
on islands off the coast of Helsinki. Tourist information "Visitor
Centre" and Sveaborg Experience multivision show are housed in the
former naval stores.
Open: Suomenlinna Island is open all year round.
Helsinki City Winter Garden
This exotic winter garden, founded in 1893, includes over 200 different
species of plants. In the palm room you'll find room high palm trees, Norfolk
Island pines, and camellias. The camellias flower usually from October to
February. The passionflowers of different colours climb in the palm trees.
The carps and the budgies are the children’s favourites. In the cactus
room you'll find all kinds of cactuses. Outside there is the rose garden
where the roses bloom in summer and autumn.
Open: Tue 9-15, Wed-Fri 12-15, Sat-Sun 12-16, Mon closed.
Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium, built in 1938, was designed in functionalistic style
by the architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti. The Olympic
Games were held in 1952 in Helsinki. Now the Olympic Stadium hosts both
national and international sporting events and concerts.
Open: Stadium Tower open Mon-Fri 9-20, Sat-Sun 9-18. (Please note! The tower
is closed during competitions and events)
Temppeliaukio Church
Lutherinkatu 3
Quarried out of the natural bedrock, Temppeliaukio Church is one of the
most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki. The interior walls have been
created naturally by the rock. The church was designed by architects Timo
and Tuomo Suomalainen and it was opened in 1969. Due to its excellent acoustics
the church is a popular venue for concerts.
Open: Mon, Wed 10-17, Tue 10-12.45 and 14.15-17, Thu, Fri 10-20, Sat 10-18,
Sun 11.45-13.45 and 15.30-18, opening hours may vary according to occasions
arranged in the church.
Uspenski Cathedral
Kanavakatu 1
The Uspenski Cathedral, built in 1868, is the largest orthodox church in
Western Europe. With its golden cupolas and redbrick facade, the church
is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on the Finnish history.
Open: Mon-Fri 9.30-16, Sat 9.30-16, Sun 12-15.
National Museum of Finland
Mannerheimintie 34
The National Museum of Finland illustrates Finnish history from prehistoric
times to the present day. The major archaeological finds, the historical,
numismatic, and ethnological collections have been put together for over
170 years. The development of the Finnish society and culture from the beginning
of the Middle Ages to the present. Special exhibitions.
Open: Tue-Wed 11–20, Thu-Sun 11–18, Mon closed. (Free entrance
on Tuesdays 17.30-20)
Ateneum Art Museum
Kaivokatu 2
Finnish art from the 18th century and foreign art from the 19th century
to the 1960s. Finland’s largest collection of paintings, sculpture,
drawings, watercolours, and graphic art. Special exhibitions and related
happenings.
Open: Tue, Fri 9-18, Wed, Thu 9-20, Sat, Sun 11-17.
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Mannerheiminaukio 2
Finnish and international contemporary art since the 1960s. Special exhibitions
and related happenings. The Kiasma Theatre's programme includes drama, dance,
performance, music, multimedia, film, video art, seminars, lectures, and
public discussions.
Open: Tue, Sun 10-17, Wed-Sat 10-20:30.
Esplanade Park
Situated in the heart of Helsinki, the Esplanade is a protected area that
is culturally and historically important. The park serves as a promenade
for tourists and a place to relax for city people. At the harbour end of
the park there is a stage where live music is performed during the summer.
Kaisaniemi Park
Situated alongside the Central Railway Station, Kaisaniemi Park is a great
place for recreation and it includes the University Botanical Gardens.
Kaivopuisto Park
The oldest and best known park in Helsinki is surrounded by embassies and
villas. The nearby sea, rock cliffs, and green lawns offer many opportunities
to relax and enjoy the outdoors. At the highest point of the park there
is the Ursa Observatory. There are several cafés and restaurants
along the shore and on the islands.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Tivolikuja 1
Linnanmäki has entertained families since 1950. The amusement park
has an enormous selection of fun rides, from ultra scary to more easy-going.
The special wooden rollercoaster is over 50 years old and remains the most
popular ride. Linnanmäki has also many arcade halls with the latest
games as well as an outdoor stage presenting entertaining performances.
Opening hours vary, please check in advance www.linnanmaki.fi
Sea Life Helsinki
Tivolitie 10
Sea Life takes you on a voyage from the tropical oceans to the Arctic Sea,
stopping at the Baltic Sea along the way. Discover strange and fascinating
underwater worlds, home to crabs and starfish as well as sharks and rays.
Visitors can step inside the ocean tank through a transparent tunnel. The
exhibitions present many species whose environments are threatened by pollution
and other environmental damage caused by humans. Sea Life Helsinki is part
of the pan-European Sea Life network, whose aim is to enlighten visitors
about the need for protecting the sea environment and fighting against the
biggest threats, such as pollution and over fishing.
Open: Mon-Sat 10-19 and Sun 10-17. (Last admissions 45 minutes before closing.)
Korkeasaari Zoo
Korkeasaari Zoo (founded in 1889) is one of the oldest zoos in the world.
In Korkeasaari Zoo you'll meet animals from the arctic tundra to the tropical
rainforest. Approximately 200 different animal species reside in the Zoo,
and there are almost a 1000 different plant species. Protecting endangered
species is a heartfelt matter for the zoo. The zoos in Europe form a network
which works to preserve a number of species. Zoos are often the last refuge
for many endangered species. The rhino sign will take you to the animals
that belong to the zoos' shared protection programme. Open: Mon-Sun 10-20.