Glimpses of Light and Hope

An exhibition presenting the history of Suomenlinna Church from the 1700s to the present day is a compelling experience for both adults and children interested in history.

Suomenlinna Church has witnessed warships and countless wedding celebrations, soldiers' footsteps and tourists' gazes. It has served as both a prison and an air-surveillance centre. It is also a lighthouse at sea - literally and figuratively.

In summer 2026, the history of Suomenlinna Church comes alive in an exhibition that reveals the church's remarkable story. Photographs and documents collected since the 1700s, some never before displayed, are now assembled into an exhibition on the grounds and inside Suomenlinna Church. You can walk through the historical route at your own pace, and you can deepen your experience with additional content accessible via QR codes. Basic information is available in Finnish, Swedish and English, with many other languages accessible through QR codes.

Children will find their own hidden content along the route, unlocked by QR codes, where even the youngest can embark on an exciting historical journey through colourful images and animations.