Finnish Aviation Museum

The Finnish Aviation Museum sits right next to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which gives it a natural context — you can watch modern aircraft landing and taking off from the windows while examining historic planes inside. The collection covers Finnish aviation history from the early 20th century through the jet age, with particular strength in the military aircraft of the Winter War and Continuation War periods.

The museum is primarily of interest to aviation enthusiasts and history buffs, but the wartime collections are compelling enough to draw a general audience. The aircraft are well-presented and the explanatory texts are thoughtful. Bus connections from Tikkurila and the airport are straightforward.

things to do museum
A story
Finland's most prized aviation exhibit is a Brewster Buffalo fighter — one of the American planes delivered to Finland during the Winter War that the Finnish Air Force used to devastating effect against the Soviet Air Force. The Finnish Buffalo pilots achieved an extraordinary kill ratio, and their story is one of the more remarkable chapters of a remarkable war.

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