Kiasma’s collections
The collections currently comprise 8,800 works of art, and about 100 new works are added each year. We collect art primarily from Finland and nearby regions such as Scandinavia, the Baltic region and Russia.
An increasing amount of art is made directly for online environments such as social media, blogging platforms and mobile apps. Web-based works in the Kiasma collection can be viewed at the Kiasma Online Art website.
How does our collection grow?
We acquire work from contemporary art exhibitions and galleries and directly from artists. Kiasma also commissions new works that are subsequently added to the collections. Acquisitions are decided on by the Acquisitions Committee, which comprises experts from Kiasma and two artist members.
Acquisition criteria and list of acquisitions made in 2021
Some works in the collection are received as donations. The largest bodies of art donated to Kiasma are
- The Kouri Collection
The Collection was created by Pentti Kouri and donated to Kiasma by the Ministry of Education. - The Porkkana Collection
- The Seppo Fränti Collection
- The works of Kalervo Palsa
Donated to Kiasma by Maj-Lis Pitkänen.
Where can I view the works?
Works in the Kiasma collections are displayed in collection exhibitions. Kiasma also lends works for exhibitions in other museums. The purpose of lending is to make works in the collection available to as large an audience as possible in Finland and abroad. Works in the collections of the Finnish National Gallery are also accessible online.
Study collections in depth
The collections of Kiasma are the subject of active research. Research papers are published in exhibition books that are released in connection with collection exhibitions. The books are on sale in the Kiasma Shop and our online store Museoshop.
They can also be read in Kiasma Library on the fifth floor. You can visit the Kiasma Library without buying a ticket to the museum. Visiting the library requires registration at the information desk in the museum lobby.
FNG Research is a digital online research magazine with articles about research done in the collections and museums of the Finnish National Gallery.
Looking for information about past exhibitions?