- Type
- Museum
- Environment
- Indoor
- Age
- 5-13 years
- Price
- Free
- Estimated visit
- 45-120 min
Merkki is in an old newspaper building at the corner of Ludviginkatu and Korkeavuorenkatu. Its permanent exhibition looks at the importance of free media in democracy, journalism, freedom of speech, and recognising disinformation. Families can explore media history from printing machines to internet memes, visit the Printing Cellar, and find the child-focused Joy of Reading area with Donald Duck comics, children's news, and a cosy reading nook.
At a glance
- Age fit
- 5-13 years
- Price snapshot
- Free
- Opening season
- Year-round, with holiday and family-hour exceptions
- Duration
- 45-120 min
- Toilets
- Yes
- Accessibility
- Partial
- Stroller-friendly
- Partial
- Parking ease
- Difficult
- Travel estimate with HSL from my location
- Accessibility
- The accessible entrance is on Korkeavuorenkatu; the door has a ramp, a handrail, and an electronic opening button, and it is on a gentle hill. The Ludviginkatu entrance has several stairs and no handrail. Exhibitions are on the first floor and in the Printing Cellar, which can be reached by spiral stairs or lift. All toilets are gender neutral and one is accessible. Service Map accessibility viewpoints still include several red markings, so check details in advance if you need a fully accessible visit.
Plan your visit
- Practical notes
- The museum has free entry, a cloakroom, toilets, and several places to sit. The official children's page encourages families to allow time for exploring together; own snacks may be eaten at the lobby tables, and the machine also offers cocoa and blueberry juice. Free guided tours and workshops can be arranged separately for groups.
- Opening-hours notes
- Official museum hours are Mon 11:00-17:00, Tue 11:00-17:00, Wed 11:00-18:00, Thu 11:00-17:00, Fri 11:00-17:00, Sat 11:00-17:00, and Sun 11:00-17:00. 2026 exceptions include Helsinki Day 12.6.2026 at 10:00-17:00, Midsummer closure 19.-21.6.2026, and Family Hours on 2.7.2026, 6.8.2026, 3.9.2026, 1.10.2026, 5.11.2026, and 3.12.2026 at 9:00-17:00. Check the current page before going.
- Booking notes
- Booking is not needed for a normal self-guided museum visit. Guided tours, workshops, and tailored group visits are arranged separately with the museum.
- Price notes
- Always free entry. The Finnish Museum Card is also accepted even though admission is free.
- Age notes
- Suitable for families of all ages, but strongest for children around 5-13 who can explore images, texts, news, printing technology, and media phenomena with an adult. With smaller children, keep the visit short and focus on the Joy of Reading area, reading nook, and clear exhibition finds.
- Seasonal notes
- The museum operates year-round, but exceptional hours, Family Hours, and temporary exhibitions change. The archives have different opening hours from the museum, so this activity describes the museum visit.
- Weather notes
- A good indoor option for rainy, cold, and windy days in the city centre.