A century of bank advertising

Bank advertising as a symbol of overall economic thinking in society was the theme of the Museum’s 5th exhibition titled ‘One hundred years of bank advertising’. Advertising has been used to direct the public's actions in the use of their funds in whatever direction has been considered desirable. For years, the advertisements highlighted the Finnish virtues of frugality and negativity to consumerism. Old-style advertisements tell of their time in an informative and entertaining manner.

“This exhibition illustrates well Finland’s transition from an old agrarian society to a modern consumer society. In order for loan markets to function well, healthy competition and thus advertising are needed, but some of the current trends in advertising consumer loans are worrying”, said Sinikka Salo, member of the Board, in her inauguration speech.

The exhibition ran from 9 January to 30 September 2007.