Design Museum Helsinki illustrates the history and development of applied arts and design in Finland and abroad. Its outlook derives from the principle of democratic design, Nordic functionalism. The notion that our everyday objects and tools are not only fit for purpose, but that they also improve the quality of life by taking into account not only the aesthetic dimension but also the environment, sustainability and the functional aspect. Design Museum is located in the Kaarti area, in the heart of the so called “design quarters” of downtown Helsinki in the former building of the Brobergska Samskolan high school built in 1895. The museum organises exhibitions focusing on individual artisans and designers and on topical as well as historical themes and trends.

The museum also carries out research, collects and documents related to design and applied arts. Originally founded in 1873, the museum has a collection of 75,000 objects, 45,000 drawings, 125,000 images and an index of some 1,000 designers. The museum offers workshops and guided visits to its current exhibitions in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian.