Urho Kekkonen Museum Tamminiemi

Found in the Meilahti district of Helsinki, Tamminiemi is a villa that served as the official residences for former Fininsh president Urho Kekkonen between 1940 and 1981. The house was originally designed by Sigurd Frosterus and Gustaf Strengell for a Danish man by the name of Jorgen Nissen. The building was completed in 1903 and housed a number of residents before finally becoming the home of Urho Kekkonen. Today, the villa is open to the eyes of the public as a museum. It's located next to Seurasaari Museum Island within a beautiful park.
Kekkonen held the office of president in Finland from 1956 to 1981, and Tamminiemi was the official residence, the center of political affairs, and was often used to entertain foreign guests and dignitaries. It is said that Kekkonen would often treat his important guest to a visit to his personal Turkish baths found within the complex. After Kekkonen left office in 1981, it remained his personal home until his death in 1986. Much of the residence has been left as it was during the years it was occupied by the Finnish President. Visitors can step back in time and wander through the house via guided tours. Guests also have the chance to see the living quarters, various art works, and the kitchen area. There is also a cafe and shop on site.

Practical Info

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm.  During the summer months there are tours every day in English, Swedish and Finnish.  During the winter, there are only English and Swedish tours on Sundays. The nearest metro station is Meilahdentie which is about 400 meters walk away. Bus number 24 runs all the way to the museum area as well.