Arcana Borealis at Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki

Arcana Borealis is an exhibition at the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki, running from 23 October 2026 to 28 February 2027. It shows how Northern women artists have combined art and alternative spiritual currents since the late 19th century. The exhibition features approximately 50 women artists from the Northern region, including Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Sápmi.

Artists include Anna-Eva Bergman, Anna Cassel, Hilma af Klint, Outi Pieski and Ellen Thesleff. Key themes are the relationship between spirit and matter, life after death and the existence of the spirit world, and the aim to live in harmony with nature. The works use a wide range of materials, including textiles, ceramics, metal engravings, stained glass and mosaics.

The exhibition is curated by Nina Kokkinen and Marja Lahelma. A half-hour exhibition intro for groups is offered in Finnish, English and Swedish at €8 per person plus the museum entrance fee, for groups of 10 to 100 people.