Train Station and National Theatre The Helsinki train station was built in 1914 and is regarded as architect Eliel Saarinen's finest achievement. In reaction to criticisms of his earlier design, Saarinen changed the original Romantic features and shaped it in to more of an Art Nouveau style. The gigantic front doors help to emphasize the sense of sturdiness and strength that the building evokes. Within the station are two restaurants, both of which offer the perfect vantage point from where to view the fine details of interior. Saarinen ended up immigrating to America where his son was later became one of America's preeminent post-war architects. The magnificent granite figure of the National Theatre is to be found northeast of the station and has been the main centre for Finnish drama since 1872. Around this time, the ruling Swedish-speaking class considered "Finnish culture" to be a bit of a joke, and as a result Finnish theatre became so political that it had to be performed outside Helsinki - mainly in the southwest town of Pori. The most important Finnish dramatist at that time was a man called Aleksis Kivi; he later died in poverty and it wasn't until long after his death that he came to be regarded as Finland's most influential playwright. Opposite the train station you'll find the city's main post office; there is an unexpectedly interesting Postal Museum in here. It's a particularly imaginative collection showing some of the instruments and devices used in the 350 years of Finnish postal history. [ Helsinki hotels in Helsinki] - [Site Map] - [ Secure Server ] - [ Privacy Policy ] - [ Disclaimer ]