The Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum) is located in Vantaa, Finland, near Helsinki Airport. It is one of Finland’s premier aviation museums, dedicated to showcasing the history of aviation in Finland, from the early days of flight to modern-day aviation technologies. The museum offers an extensive collection of aircraft, engines, and aviation-related exhibits.

Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum)

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Karhumäentie 12 (Tietotie 3)

01530 Vantaa

Finland

www.ilmailumuseo.fi

info@suomenilmailumuseo.fi

+358 9 8700870

Daily 10:00 – 17:00

• Wednesday 10:00 – 20:00

Admission fee

Gift shop

The Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum) is located just off Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (twenty kilometers north of Helsinki).

Aircraft collection

– U165 OH-BBA OH-HIA – BW-393 BL-180 OH-450X CA-84 OH-COO OH-MAF OH-LRB VA-2 VT-9 OH-MVL OH-OAA OH-WAA OH-LCD OH-VKB OH-TEA OH-355 OH-368 OH-FSA – FM-42/X GN-105 GN-106 GA-58 G 36 OH-BAA OH-BAR H-5 H-56 OH-HRA – OH-XMH OH-ITA IL-2 OH-ABB OH-VRL “13” OH-KLA OH-XYY OH-VLK SM-153 OH-CMB OH-VKU MT-208 MT-452 MG-111 MG-135 MG-127 HR-3 HS-6 HS-1 OH-UO17 OH-YKA OH-201 OH-PAR OH-PXA OH-YMA OH-KYC OH-571 OH-425X OH-PJN UT-1 HK-1 OH-XQA OH-CBQ DK-206 SF-9 SG-1 OH-177 OH-KCC OH-BFA TL-1 VH-25 PY-27 SA-122 TU-178 OH-VII OH-SAA OH-WAC OH-IIK

Adaridi AD 3 Atol 450 Beechcraft 95-A55 Baron Bell 47D-1 Blomqvist-Nyberg Brewster Model 239 Bristol Blenheim Mk.I Bryan HP-16 Caudron C 60 Cessna 172C Cessna 206 Convair 440-40 de Havilland Vampire F.B.52 de Havilland Vampire T.55 de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver DFS 108 Olympia DFS Weihe Douglas C-47A Dakota Douglas C-47A Dakota Eklund TE-1 Fibera KK-1e UTU Fibera KK-1e UTU Fieseler FI 156K-1 Storch Focke-Wulf Fw44J Stieglitz Fouga CM170 Magister Folland FO 141 Gnat F.1 Folland FO 141 Gnat F.1 Gloster Gamecock MK.II Grunau 9 Grunau Baby IIb Grunau Baby IIb Harakka I Harakka II Heinonen HK-1 Keltiainen Hol’s der Teufel Ilmapallo VK 3-1 Ilmalaiva Colt GA-42 I.V.L. A.22 Hansa Junkers A 50 Junior Karhumaki Karhu 48B Kassel 12 A Klemm L25 Kokkola KO-04 Super Upstart L-13n-10 Blanik Letov S.218A Smolik LET Z-37 Cmelak Lockheed 18-07 Lodestar Messerschmitt Bf109G-2 Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21F-13 Mil Mi-4 Mil Mi-8PS Mil Mi-8T Mahe Scout PIK 3a Kanttikolmonen PIK 3c Kajava PIK 5b PIK 10 Moottoribaby PIK 11 Tumppu PIK 12 Gabriel PIK 16c Vasama PIK 20 Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow Polikarpov UTI-4 ( I-16 UTI) PZL SM-ISZ Quickie Reims/ Cessna 150J Saab J35BS Draken Saab 91D Safir Schulgleiter SG-38 SZD-9bis 1c Bocian SZD-10bis Czapla A Taivaankirppu Valmet Tuuli III Valmet Vihuri VL Pyry II VL Saaski II VL Tuisku II VL Viima II WWS-1 Salamandra Wassmer Wa54 Atlantic Viri

The Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum) displays some 9,000 items, and the library has about 17,000 books and 160,000 aviation-related magazines. Furthermore, the museum has a large collection of flight instruction and service books. There are also some 78,000 photographs, negatives, and slides.

There are presently 72 aircraft on exhibit, both military and civilian. 22 of these are gliders and 3 are light engined aircraft. In addition there is a multitude of other aviation oriented exhibits, e.g. engines, propellers, instruments, radio equipment and scale models.

Key Features of the Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum):

1. Aircraft Collection:
   • The museum boasts a wide range of aircraft, including military and civilian planes from different eras. Some of the notable aircraft on display include the Fokker D.XXI, Vickers Vimy, and Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. The museum also has modern aircraft, such as commercial airliners and small civil aviation planes.
   • The collection includes historical aircraft that represent Finland’s involvement in major events like World War II, the Winter War, and the Continuation War, as well as post-war military and civilian aviation developments.
2. Historical Exhibits:
   • The Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum) covers the history of Finnish aviation from its early years in the 1920s to the present. Exhibits trace the development of aviation technology, Finland’s air forces, civil aviation pioneers, and the key moments in Finnish aviation history.
   • It also delves into the role of aviation in military defense and wartime operations, highlighting aircraft used during the Winter War (1939–1940) and Continuation War (1941–1944).
3. Interactive Displays:
   • The Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum) features several interactive exhibits, such as flight simulators, allowing visitors to experience what it’s like to fly a plane. These provide a hands-on experience and give a deeper understanding of aviation technology and its evolution.
4. Aviation Art and Memorabilia:
   • In addition to aircraft, the museum displays a range of aviation-related memorabilia, including uniforms, flight instruments, pilots’ gear, and photographs. The museum showcases aviation art, models, and documents, which offer a glimpse into the history and stories of Finnish aviators and their contributions to the field.
5. Educational Programs:
   • The museum provides educational programs and events, including workshops for children, school groups, and aviation enthusiasts. These programs help visitors learn about the science of flight, the history of aviation, and the importance of aviation in both military and civilian contexts.
6. Temporary Exhibitions:
   • The Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum) also hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight specific themes in aviation history, such as significant aircraft types, aviation pioneers, and advancements in aviation technology.

Visitor Information:

• Location: The Finnish Aviation Museum is located in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki Airport (Helsinki-Vantaa), making it an easy stop for travelers or those visiting the capital region.
• Opening Hours: The museum is typically open year-round, but it’s best to check their official website for up-to-date opening hours, especially around holidays or during special events.
• Admission Fees: Admission fees are usually affordable, with discounts available for children, students, and groups.

Why Visit the Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum)?

• Educational Experience: It’s a fantastic place for learning about aviation history, both from a Finnish perspective and as part of the broader global context. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a student of history, or just curious, there’s something for everyone.
• Family-Friendly: With interactive displays and hands-on activities, the Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation Museum) is great for families and children who can learn about flight and aviation technology in a fun and engaging way.

Photos Wouter Roerdink