Sketch of girls by the brook, artwork by Magnus Enckell in 1914

Amos Rex

Amos Rex Helsinki: Complete 2025 Visitor Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Amos Rex, located at the heart of Helsinki beneath the storied Lasipalatsi Square, is a leading destination for contemporary art, architectural innovation, and immersive cultural experiences. The museum is renowned for harmoniously blending Finland’s artistic legacy with forward-thinking design, all while fostering inclusive, participatory engagement with art. Rooted in the vision of Amos Anderson—publisher, entrepreneur, and passionate art supporter—Amos Rex has evolved from the original Amos Anderson Art Museum (founded 1965) into a world-class subterranean museum complex, preserving the functionalist Lasipalatsi while unveiling domed, light-filled galleries below ground. Visitors can expect a dynamic mix of historical context, architectural marvels, and cutting-edge programming, making Amos Rex a must-see for art lovers, families, and cultural explorers alike (Amos Rex Official, Wikipedia, ArchDaily).

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a memorable visit in 2025: museum history, architectural highlights, current exhibitions, tickets, opening hours, accessibility, nearby Helsinki historical sites, and practical travel tips.

Origins and Historical Context
The Lasipalatsi: Architectural Heritage
Subterranean Innovation: The Domed Galleries
Architectural Philosophy and Urban Impact
Sustainability and Technical Features
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Information
Special Events, Guided Tours, and Top Photo Spots
Nearby Helsinki Attractions
Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Exhibition Philosophy and 2025 Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected
Sources

Amos Rex: Origins and Architectural Journey

Historical Background

Amos Rex owes its existence to Amos Anderson (1878–1961), a Finnish publisher and philanthropist whose passion for art led to the establishment of Finland’s largest private art museum in 1965 (Wikipedia). The original museum, housed in Anderson’s newspaper offices, became too limited for the growing demands of contemporary art. In 2013, a new vision took shape: an ambitious subterranean expansion beneath Lasipalatsi Square. Supported by the Föreningen Konstsamfundet foundation, and greenlit by the Helsinki City Council, the €50 million project broke ground in 2016 and opened in August 2018, immediately drawing international acclaim (ArchDaily, DNYUZ).

The Lasipalatsi: Functionalist Heritage

Lasipalatsi (“Glass Palace”), a 1936 icon of Finnish functionalism, forms the gateway to Amos Rex. Originally a temporary visitors’ center for the cancelled 1940 Olympics, its glass walls, neon signs (the first in Finland), and open interiors set new standards in design (Design Week). As part of Amos Rex’s creation, JKMM Architects meticulously restored the Lasipalatsi in collaboration with the Helsinki City Museum, reviving historic materials, colors, and the legendary Bio Rex cinema (STIRworld).

Subterranean Innovation: The Domed Galleries

The museum’s most striking feature is 6,230 square meters of domed, skylit galleries hidden beneath Lasipalatsi Square. Rather than disrupt the protected structures above, architects built downward, creating column-free, high-ceilinged spaces ideal for large-scale installations (Amos Rex Architecture). The domes “bubble up” through the plaza, forming playful hills that double as public gathering spots and city landmarks (STIRworld). Skylights at each dome’s peak fill the galleries with natural light, forging a powerful connection between the underground art spaces and the urban environment above (Design Week).

Architectural Philosophy and Urban Impact

JKMM Architects’ vision for Amos Rex is one of respectful transformation: the seamless journey from Lasipalatsi’s historic foyer through the restored cinema and into the futuristic, domed galleries tells a story of Helsinki’s evolving architectural identity (Amos Rex Official). The mounds above ground democratize the museum experience, inviting everyone—museumgoer or passerby—into the cultural conversation (Amos Rex Architecture). The revitalized Lasipalatsi Square, with its restaurants, shops, and cinema, ensures the site remains vibrant day and night (ArchDaily).

Sustainability and Technical Features

Amos Rex’s commitment to sustainability is evident: the complex uses renewable district heating and wind power, and is a member of the Gallery Climate Coalition, pledging to cut CO2e emissions by 50% by 2030 (Amos Rex Sustainability). Technical facilities below the galleries support major international exhibitions, and accessibility is prioritized throughout the site, with free entry for visitors under 18, reduced fees for ages 18–30, and robust art education programs (ArchDaily, Amos Rex Official).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Getting There

Opening Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursdays: Extended until 8:00 PM
Closed Mondays

Special event hours and public holiday schedules may vary—check the official website before visiting.

Ticket Prices

Adults: €16
Reduced (18–30 years): €8
Children under 18: Free
Helsinki Card Holders: Free
Purchase: Online at the Amos Rex ticket portal or at the entrance

Discounts and free admission days (e.g. Helsinki Day, June 12, 2025) may apply during special events (Amos Rex Visit Us).

How to Get There

Address: Mannerheimintie 22–24, Helsinki
Tram: Lines 2, 4, 6, and 7 (Lasipalatsi or Kamppi stops)
Metro: Kamppi or Central Railway Station (no major street crossings required)
Bus: Multiple city lines nearby
Bike: Racks and city bike stations close to the museum
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Atmosphere and Ambience

Visitors are welcomed into a futuristic yet inviting space where natural light streams through domed skylights, illuminating galleries that blend seamlessly with the historic Lasipalatsi (TourTravelWorld). The juxtaposition of old and new, above and below ground, creates a unique architectural and sensory journey (WhichMuseum).

Exhibitions and Interactivity

Amos Rex’s exhibitions often feature contemporary, modern, and digital art, with a collection of around 6,000 works. Temporary shows are typically immersive and interactive, appealing to a wide audience, including families and children (WhichMuseum). Reviews consistently highlight the participatory nature of the programming—though some experimental installations may not suit every taste (WhichMuseum).

Staff, Services, and Amenities

Multilingual Staff: Exhibition info in Finnish, Swedish, English; guided tours in multiple languages (Amos Rex FAQ)
Cloakroom & Lockers: Free, unguarded; large luggage stored at the nearby Railway Station (Amos Rex Visit Us)
Food & Drink: Dining options in the Lasipalatsi area (e.g., Haiku, Ravintola Lasipalatsi, Café Java); summer terraces available
Museum Shop: Unique art merchandise, open during museum hours (Amos Rex Visit Us)

Accessibility

Physical: Wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and toilets; step-free galleries; wheelchair available to borrow (Amos Rex Accessibility)
Sensory/Cognitive: Autism-friendly guidelines, content notes for each exhibition, visual aids, free entry for personal assistants, EU Disability Card accepted (Amos Rex Autism-Friendly)
Family-Friendly: Interactive exhibitions, bottle feeding allowed, museum mascot “Ou” for children (Amos Rex Visit Us)

Exhibition Philosophy and 2025 Highlights

Curatorial Approach

Amos Rex’s exhibitions are site-sensitive, often leveraging the unique domed architecture to create immersive, participatory experiences. The museum regularly juxtaposes early 20th-century modernism with technologically innovative contemporary works (museum.fi, Amos Rex official).

2025 Exhibition Highlights

Anna Estarriola: Staged Circumstances and Piles of Things (Apr 2 – Aug 31, 2025): Multi-sensory installations exploring perception and communication
Enni-Kukka Tuomala: Expanding Empathies (Apr 2 – Aug 31, 2025): Participatory studio exhibition on empathy
Leandro Erlich (Oct 8, 2025 – Mar 29, 2026): Installations manipulating architecture and perspective
Sigurd Frosterus Collection: Permanent display of early 20th-century modernism (Amos Rex press release)

Special Events

AMOS REX SS25 Fashion Show (May 23, 2025): 50 emerging designers, rooftop show, and pop-up shop (MyHelsinki)
24 Hours with Tony Cokes (Sep 12, 2025): 24-hour video retrospective with live performances
Night of the Arts, Helsinki Day, Open Mic events, and more: See events calendar for details

Visiting Tips and Photo Spots

Buy tickets online: Save time and money (Amos Rex FAQ).
Best times to visit: Weekday mornings and late afternoons, especially Thursdays.
Photography: Domed skylights and Lasipalatsi mounds are ideal for photos.
Dining: Explore Lasipalatsi’s restaurants and summer terraces.

Nearby Helsinki Attractions

Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square
Design Museum Helsinki
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
Esplanadi Park & Market Square All within walking distance or a short ride, perfect for a cultural day out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Amos Rex’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (Thursdays to 8:00 PM), closed Mondays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: €16 adults, €8 reduced (18–30), free for under 18s.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes—wheelchair access, accessible toilets, sensory-friendly support, and free entry for assistants.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, in multiple languages. Book in advance.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Generally yes, unless otherwise noted in specific exhibitions.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

For the latest exhibitions, events, accessibility details, and online ticket bookings, visit the Amos Rex official website and check the event calendar. Download the Audiala mobile app for interactive guides and exclusive content during your visit.

Follow Amos Rex on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage.

Summary

Amos Rex stands at the crossroads of Helsinki’s history and its creative future. With its innovative underground galleries, restored functionalist architecture, and a commitment to sustainability, Amos Rex offers an unmatched museum experience. Whether you’re drawn by immersive exhibitions, cutting-edge events, or simply the joy of exploring a unique architectural landmark, Amos Rex makes an ideal starting point for discovering Helsinki’s vibrant cultural scene (Amos Rex Architecture, Design Week, TourTravelWorld, MyHelsinki).