Suomen Ilmailumuseo

About the museum

Suomen Ilmailumuseo is the national museum responsible for preserving and presenting the history of Finnish aviation. The Ilmailumuseoyhdistys (Aviation Museum Association) was founded on 4 December 1969, and the first permanent exhibition opened in the lower-floor corridor of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on 12 June 1972.

Construction of the current museum building on Karhumäentie began in May 1980, and the first exhibition hall opened to the public on 24 September 1981. An intermediate hall was completed in 1985 and a second exhibition hall in 1989. From the beginning of 1997 the Ministry of Education designated the museum as a national specialised museum. The museum is run by the Suomen Ilmailumuseosäätiö (Finnish Aviation Museum Foundation).

The collections include about 80 aircraft as well as engines, propellers, instruments and scale models. Construction of a new Aviation Museum on the neighbouring plot in Aviapolis has begun, and the new museum aims to open to the public at the turn of 2027–2028.

Highlights

• About 80 aircraft in the collection
• Military aviation in hall 1, civil aviation in hall 2
• Simulator experiences and full-flight simulators
• Audio guide and guided tours
• Café Yläpilvi

Permanent exhibitions

• 1-halli: sotilasilmailu – The first exhibition hall presents military aviation.
• 2-halli: siviili-ilmailu – The second exhibition hall presents civil aviation.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Suomen Ilmailumuseosäätiö

Admission & discounts

Children under 7, Museokortti holders and the museum's special groups (for example war veterans, Kaikukortti holders and press card holders) enter free. For members of the Suomen Ilmailuliitto and OAJ, a ticket costs €10, and for holders of airline ID cards €12. With the Helsinki Card, adults pay €7 and 7–17-year-olds pay €3.50.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is mostly accessible, but some areas have steps: the galleries of exhibition halls 1 and 2 and the Convair Metropolitan aircraft. The doors between the exhibition halls do not open automatically, so you can ask for help at customer service. In hall 2 there is a ramp after the door. There are disabled parking spaces in front of the museum. Exhibition halls 1 and 2 are not heated.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

For schools and kindergartens there is a general guided tour, a workshop and the Pikku Pilotin lentokoulu (Little Pilot's Flight School) children's tour. Birthday parties can also be held at the museum.

Getting there & parking

Because of the construction of the Vantaa tram, the southern end of Aviabulevardi has been closed to vehicle traffic since 18 May 2026, and the museum is reached from Tikkurilantie via Turbiinitie and Karhumäentie. There is a bicycle rack in the museum yard.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café Yläpilvi and a museum shop. The lobby has coat hooks and lockable cabinets.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Meeting and party rooms, and catering services.

Plan your visit