Near the Senate Square, in the oldest city blocks of Helsinki, you can find the blue-grey Sederholm House, built in 1757. It is the oldest house in Helsinki. In May 2016, Children’s Town, an exhibition especially targeted at the youngest citizens, opened up there as a part of the new Helsinki City Museum. In Children’s Town, children and their companions can learn more about Helsinki’s history through own experiences and joint activities.
Children’s Town offers an opportunity to jump into a horse-drawn carriage or steer a ship in 18th century surroundings. For the youngest museum visitors, there is a special marine play, reading and rest corner. You can study everyday items from the 1970s in Grandma’s House and watch the favourite TV shows of the time. On weekends, a museum grandma or grandpa is at home in Grandma’s House. In the 1930s elementary school class, you can just picture a schoolmaster with a pointer and a stern face.
There is a lot to study and explore. Showcases feature favourite toys from different periods, from little ponies to mutant turtles and Star Wars figures. The Sederholm shop from the 18th century is a perfect environment for playing shop. Puppets and amusing role costumes and role cards are available in the theatre. You can practise your writing skills, using old tools from sandbox to blackboard, and in another room, you can play with cars or decorate the dolls’ house as you like.
In Children’s Town, everything that is on display may be touched. Children can play under the supervision of their parents or other accompanying adults.