The building was initially designed as a modern Russian school for boys. It was opened in 1913 when Finland was still ruled by its eastern neighbour. However, it served that function for only four years until 1917, when Finland gained its independence.  

During the tumultuous year of civil war that followed, the building first served Helsinki’s Jaeger Regiment and as the Headquarters of the Army, before transforming into Finland’s first Cadet School.  

In 1923, the University of Helsinki bought the building and placed its zoological collections here – the school had morphed into a museum and a research institution. 

The building was comprehensively restored in the beginning of the 2000’s. During the renovation many of the original structures were revealed again and conserved carefully.  For example, a ceiling made of concrete that was built in the great hall (where the dinosaurs are) during the 1960’s was removed and the hall was given back its original appearance.