Children’s Town: Hands-On History in Helsinki

Children’s Town is an interactive exhibition for Helsinki’s youngest citizens, housed in the Sederholm House, the city’s oldest building. Inside, history becomes a playground: children can climb into a horse-drawn carriage, steer a ship in an 18th-century setting, or run a shop in the reconstructed Sederholm store. Everything on display is meant to be touched, so young visitors explore Helsinki’s past through their own experiences and joint activities.

Further in, families can settle into Grandma’s House, where everyday 1970s objects and favourite TV shows of the era are on view — and on weekends, a museum grandma or grandpa is at home. A recreated 1930s schoolroom, showcases of toys from little ponies to Star Wars figures, a puppet theatre with costumes, and writing tools from sandbox to blackboard offer plenty of hands-on discovery. Children play under the supervision of their parents or other accompanying adults.