Elina Anttila has worked as the director general of the National Museum of Finland since 2014. In her dreams, the National Museum plays an important role.

‘From the perspective of the National Museum, my dream is that the types of people that are interested in our museums will be an ever-expanding group. I also want to increase the awareness of the National Museum, not because of its intrinsic value, but because we believe we have a lot to give. For people to receive that, they must know what we are, where we are and what they can get from us.’

Alongside the more general programmes and future prospects are also concrete plans for the future.

‘We have a large Collections Centre project underway right now which is designed to focus on bringing the National Museum’s collections together in one place in the capital area. The Conservation Division will also be transferred there with the Collections. The goal is to open the Museum of Cultures, which is part of our collections, in the National Museum’s courtyard. The renewal of the National Museum’s main exhibition is the central goal of the museum’s celebration of Finland’s independence centenary. It is a nationally important project, and we want to have a broad discussion with the public about its content. We also have big development goals for Häme Castle, which is a wonderful tourist attraction, very unique, and we don’t have many castles like that.’

Although the future of the National Museum is important to Anttila, she emphasizes that her most important dreams are of her family.

‘The most important thing of all for the future is of course helping my teenage children get a good start in life.’