Where to Get the Tom of Finland Experience

The life of Touko Laaksonen has been preserved in biopic form. Better known as Tom of Finland, the homoerotic works of this artist has defined a era for gay men. Tom of Finland, the film, brings his work to life for a whole new generation.

After seeing his story on the big screen, we can't help but crave more of the artist. Luckily, his life has been preserved in many forms for admirers to experience first-hand. From Helsinki to Los Angeles, these locations and events are essential for any Tom fan.

Tom of Finland Experience Tour - Helsinki

This walking tour of Helsinki is a must for anyone who appreciates the artist's work. See places of significance and secret meaning, and learn what it was like for a gay man during World War II. The tour also starts off with a multimedia show about the artist's life in Helsinki. Find more info here.

Tom of Finland Weekend - Helsinki

The gay-friendly Klaus K Hotel offers a weekend package themed around the artist himself. You'll get to join the walking tour, which starts at the hotel. You'll also get to stay in the Sky Loft, decked out in Tom of Finland bed sheets and terry by Finlayson. Enjoy a complimentary drink at the Klaus K Bar & Lounge and the Klaus K buffet breakfast. And don't forget to take home your Tom of Finland goodie bag. 10% of proceeds from the weekend package go to the Tom of Finland Foundation. Find more info here.

Paulig Kulma - Helsinki

Another stop on the Tom of Finland Experience walking tour, this cafe is known for its Tom-style drinks and Tom of Finland art roast coffee. The exclusive line of coffee beans were developed in partnership with the Tom of Finland Foundation. Find more info here.

Tom of Finland House - Los Angeles​

During the final years of his life, the artist began splitting his time between Finland and LA. He was invited by Durk Dehner, the owner of this Echo Park home, to use it as his local residence and studio. In 1984, they created the Tom of Finland Foundation together in this house. Last year, the city council designated it as a historic-cultural monument. Find more info here.

Wednesday Tea Salon - Los Angeles

Taking place every Wednesday at the Tom of Finland House, Antebellum presents an evening of hand-blended tea, sweets, and kinky art. It's a weekly low-key event for patrons of the arts and members of the queer community to come together and mingle. Find more info and RSVP here.

Life Drawing Session - Los Angeles

This monthly uninstructed nude figure drawing and painting session takes place at the Tom of Finland House, coordinated by Miguel Angel Reyes. Artists of any level expertise can bring their own materials and hone their skills with a live nude model. Light refreshments and tunes by DJ RocketManLA are also available. The next session is November 12. Find more info here.

Celebrating Tom of Finland - Los Angeles

With screenings of the film and Q&As taking place at the Nuart Theater, the Eagle LA and the Tom of Finland Foundation are hosting a celebration of Tom on October 21. People are encouraged to come in their favorite Tom of Finland character for the party, where they can win a copy of Rizzoli’s Tom House. Find more info here.

Faces of Man Exhibit - Palm Springs

This exhibition of limited edition Tom of Finland prints runs until November 15 at Devine Interiors. Presented by the Tom of Finland Foundation and the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, 10% of the sales benefit the latter. A reception will take place October 26. Find more info here.

Tom of Finland is now in select theaters. For more information about the artist, visit the Tom of Finland Foundation.