History and archives

Explore Helsinki's history

Get to know the history of Helsinki in the light of events, phenomena and the development of different regions.

Here you will find the permanently stored documents of the city and the Sinetti archive information system. You can also submit a request for information.

Helsinki as seen through photos

Helsinkiphotos.fi is an image service that provides you a free access to the Helsinki City Museum’s vast collection of photographs.

A group of young people pose for a photographer in front of Frisco Disco in 1978. — Photo: Kuvaaja: Harri Ahola / Helsingin kaupunginmuseo

City of arts and culture and encounters

The story of Helsinki as seen through its arts and culture scene. On the website, you can also explore Helsinki's historical sites by using and interactive map.

Visit the History Helsinki website(Link leads to external service)

Go to the history map(Link leads to external service)

An old Swedish map of Helsinki and its surrounding islands from 1739. — Photo: Kartta. Kapteeni Wilhelms Situations charta öfver Helsingfors 1739. Riksarkivet, Tukholma

Turning points in the history of Helsinki

Get to know the history of Helsinki in chronological order from prehistory to the 20th century.

Helsinki City Museum

The Helsinki City Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to Helsinki. The museum is centred around the experiences of the city’s residents and their everyday lives, as reflected by the museum’s collection of objects and photographs. A 360°camera also allows you to visit the museum virtually.

Go to Helsinki City Museum website

Sinetti archive information system

In Sinetti, you can search for information on the material stored in the Helsinki City Archives.

In addition to the archive references, you can find all the maps, drawings and documents digitised by the City Archives in electronic form. You can also order material to study in the City Archives’ research hall.

Go to Sinetti