A First for Finnish Art: Helene Schjerfbeck featured at The MET
Written By:
Finlandia Foundation
Finlandia Foundation National is built on values: values that connect our nationwide network of chapters and extend far beyond. These values reflect our Finnish and Finnish-American roots, but they also open the door for others to join us, uniting around what we share. Some of my favorite moments at FFN are those when we learn together and celebrate culture in all its diverse forms, from local heritage programs to large-scale initiatives like Finland in America. When I heard what’s coming to the global art stage in New York this December, I immediately thought of our value, Arts, Culture & Society. Have you heard of Helene Schjerfbeck?
Sure–you know sauna, sisu, and Sibelius. But have you heard of Schjerfbeck? Or more specifically, have you seen her? Born in 1862 in Finland, Helene Schjerfbeck is considered one of Finland’s most prolific artists of her time, although the world has been slower to realize her profundity. She is known for her landscapes, still lifes, and self-portraits but also for her historical paintings. Much of the field in which she worked was dominated by men, so her work did not receive widespread acclaim until later in her life.
If she seems prolific, it’s because she truly was—and her influence endures. At Finlandia Foundation National, we remain dedicated to supporting and showcasing Finland in America. Today, Finland often appears in U.S. headlines, for its leadership in sauna culture, NATO membership, reverence for nature, or efforts to combat disinformation. The country consistently punches above its weight on the global stage. Yet it is far rarer for Finland to make waves in the world of art and art history, and even more extraordinary when that recognition comes through the work of a female painter from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Now, Helene Schjerfbeck, and indeed, Finland, is taking center stage in a powerful and poignant way.
For the first time in history, a Finnish artist will be featured at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. From December 5, 2025, to April 5, 2026, Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck will present approximately 60 works by this iconic Finnish painter. Produced in collaboration with the Finnish National Gallery / Ateneum Art Museum, this groundbreaking exhibition represents a monumental moment for Finland on the global art stage. The exhibition is made possible through the generosity of Elsa A. Brule, who reminds us that “It’s okay to have big dreams!” Finlandia Foundation National is profoundly grateful to Elsa A. Brule for her unwavering support of Finnish-America, including her foundational contributions to the Saving Finland in America campaign and ongoing commitment to our mission.
Helene Schjerfbeck offers a remarkable window into Finnish art and culture. A great introduction is the 2020 film Helene, in which acclaimed Finnish actress Laura Birn—whom some may recognize from one of our Finnposium online events—portrays Schjerfbeck’s life and work, including a subtle love story. The film provides an engaging starting point to explore her world. For further insight, both The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Ateneum in Helsinki have accessible press releases detailing her life, work, and the upcoming exhibition.
For those interested in cultural travel, Ekenäs (Tammisaari)—now part of Raseborg (Raasepori) in Swedish-speaking southern Finland—offers a charming and historically rich connection to Schjerfbeck’s life. While she is recognized as one of Finland’s most important artists and lived in Finnish-speaking areas, her legacy remains particularly strong in Swedish-speaking Finland. This picturesque summer town features several nods to the artist. Helene Schjerfbecks gatan // Helene Schjerfbeckin katu, a central street, leads to the town’s marketplace (tori). Just off the square is Café Schjerfbeck, a cozy café styled to reflect the period in which the artist lived. Visitors will find books, posters, and memorabilia related to her work, offering a small yet meaningful tribute. In the summer months, guided walking tours are sometimes available—led by a guide in the role of Helene Schjerfbeck herself—offering a creative and immersive way to experience local history.
Amidst all the interesting ways that Finland is making headlines in North America, the upcoming Seeing Silence exhibit marks a truly high moment for Finnish culture. We asked Consul General of Finland in New York, Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, what this moment means.
“In my view, this is the most significant showcase of Finnish art in the United States in decades—if not ever. For the first time, a Finnish artist will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Met, the ‘museum of museums’ of the world. That this honor goes to a woman artist, whose talent emerged at a time when female artists were not always fully recognized, makes the occasion all the more meaningful.”
Her story and legacy for Finland today are truly unique, and this is a historic moment for all Finnish and Finnish-American people—both in the U.S. and in Finland. To have one of Finland’s greatest artists featured at The Met is a powerful symbol of how far Finland has come and how strongly our culture resonates on the world stage. It’s a moment of deep pride that our entire community of Finns, Finnish-Americans, and friends of Finland together celebrate.
It doesn’t take a Finn—or even a Finnish-American—to recognize the significance of ‘Arts, Culture & Society’ and the extraordinary legacy of Helene Schjerfbeck. But for us, it’s a source of particular pride and joy.
Written by Thomas Flanagan
Executive Director, Finlandia Foundation National