Emma in brief

EMMA’S MISSION
 
EMMA enriches life through art
 
VALUES

Belief in the power of art
(EMMA believes that art can enrich life and increase social well-being)
Open-mindedness
(EMMA is a pioneer in open-minded decision making in all its activities)
Dialogue
(EMMA maintains an active dialogue with its staff, customers and interest groups, and participates in public debate)
 
VISION
 

EMMA is the best place in Finland to experience art

  • EMMA is an international and multi-purpose art museum. It arranges major exhibitions, happenings and media art presentations. EMMA’s core interest is modern and contemporary art 
  • The  bedrock of EMMA’s work is its professionally-managed collections, the sounding-board for all its other activities. In addition to being the embodiment of cultural heritage, the collections are displayed and studied. 
  • EMMA believes in the regenerating force of art. EMMA transcends the limits of the arts by creating new ways of experiencing them physically and virtually. EMMA activates its public, stimulates discussion and influences the surrounding community.
  • EMMA seeks new audiences and creates a good atmosphere for receiving art. EMMA is easily approachable and maintains a genuine dialogue with its customers.
  • EMMA respects professional skills, education and cooperation. EMMA cares for staff well-being and improves work processes in accordance with the principle of mutual respect.  
  • EMMA is a reliable and desirable collaborator with all its partners.
  • EMMA is integral to the enjoyment of Espoo’s urban life and culture. It influences the development of its environment and strengthens its importance as an international meeting place and tourist attraction.

 

 

EMMA is an art museum maintained by the Espoo Art Museum Foundation. The foundation was set up by the city of Espoo in September 2002 when the city’s visual art operations and personnel were transferred to the foundation.

EMMA is a centre providing experiences and knowledge. The new premises in the WeeGee building will be the setting for quality international exhibitions. The 5000 square metres exhibition area is the largest of any museum in Finland.

Emma will display its own collections as well as changing exhibitions of contemporary and 20th century art from Finland and abroad. Two art collections, EMMA´s collection and the Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection, form the cornerstone of EMMA‘s operations,.

A major part of the Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection (more than 2000 works) will be on permanent exhibition. The collection’s historical section comprises Finnish classical modernism from the beginning of the 20th century while part of its contemporary art section includes international art.  The collection is one of the most important private collections in Finland.

EMMA´s collection (c. 2 500 works) includes works on display in Espoo municipal offices, buildings and outdoor areas. Part of the collection will be hung in the museum. The collection was begun in the 1950s and concentrates almost entirely on Finnish contemporary art.

The EMMA museum pedagogy department provides guided tour services, teaching materials, activities and programmes and other projects. Lecture and teaching packages are available on request.  Museum pedagogical services are intended for all ages with the aim of increasing art appreciation and supporting learning.

A fundamental part of EMMA’s activity comprises conservation, research, archiving and documentation.


Markku Valkonen, The Director of the Espoo Museum of Modern Art