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Dear friends,
We're writing you today with an exciting milestone for the art world, a proud moment for Finnish culture, and a powerful step forward for Finland’s global recognition.
At Finlandia Foundation National, we are committed to supporting and showcasing Finland in America. These days, Finland appears in U.S. headlines more frequently — often for its leadership in sauna culture, its political stance, NATO membership, or its efforts to combat disinformation. Finland has much to offer and, in many ways, consistently punches above its weight on the global stage. But it’s not every day that Finland makes headlines in the world of art or art history — and even more rare when that recognition comes through the work of a female painter from the late 19th to early 20th century.
You have heard of 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 realm in which she worked was dominated in the time period by men and thus, her works did not receive much favorable acclaim until later in her life.
Now, Helene Schjerfbeck is taking center stage in a powerful and poignant way.
For the first time ever, 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 showcase around 60 works by the iconic Finnish painter.
This groundbreaking exhibition, produced in collaboration with the Finnish National Gallery / the Ateneum Art Museum, marks a monumental moment for Finland on the global art stage.
The exhibition is made possible by Elsa A. Brule, who reminds us: “It’s okay to have big dreams!”
FFN is thankful to Elsa A. Brule who has been a steadfast supporter of Finnish-America, including a cornerstone contributor to our Saving Finland in America campaign. Kiitos, Elsa and to the Elsa Miller Foundation, for your continued support.
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 City 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 should be celebrated by all of us.
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