Amos Rex

The story of Amos Rex begins with Amos Anderson, a prominent Finnish newspaper publisher and art patron who established the Amos Anderson Art Museum in 1965 in his former home. For decades, it served as a private art museum, housing his extensive collection of Finnish art. However, as the collection grew and the need for modern facilities became apparent, the foundation sought a more ambitious space to engage with contemporary audiences and international exhibitions. This led to the monumental decision to move the museum to a more central, dynamic location in the heart of Helsinki. In 2018, the museum reinvented itself as Amos Rex, opening its doors within the iconic Lasipalatsi, or Glass Palace, a masterpiece of 1930s functionalist architecture. The project was a massive undertaking that involved excavating 13,000 cubic meters of rock beneath the historic square to create a state-of-the-art underground gallery space. Designed by JKMM Architects, the renovation preserved the original aesthetic of the Lasipalatsi while introducing a futuristic landscape that has since become a symbol of modern Helsinki. Today, Amos Rex is celebrated for its striking architectural design, characterized by large, undulating concrete domes that break through the surface of Lasipalatsi Square. These domes serve as massive skylights for the galleries below and have transformed the urban plaza into a playful, interactive public space. The museum's programming focuses on immersive, technologically advanced contemporary art alongside experimental 20th-century Modernism and ancient cultures, making it a cornerstone of the Nordic art scene and a global destination for architecture enthusiasts.