Helsinki's New Architecture & Design Museum to Open in 2030, JKMM Architects Wins Competition

Helsinki is investing in a new Architecture & Design Museum, set to open in 2030 in the southern area of the old port, near Alvar Aalto's Sugar Cube. The project, which follows a 2024 international competition with 624 entries, was awarded on September 11 to Finnish firm JKMM Architects, known for the underground Amos Rex museum. Their winning design, 'Kumma,' features a multi-faceted structure of recycled brick with triangular windows, a design library, and a rooftop terrace, totaling 10,000 square meters. Sustainability was a key factor, as Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. The museum will house 900,000 Nordic design pieces. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with funding from city and national sources. The winning design is currently on display at the old museum alongside four finalists. Carson Chan, currently curator of architecture and design at MoMA and director of the Emilio Ambasz Institute, has been appointed chief curator and director of curatorial affairs, starting January 2026. Meanwhile, the old museum hosts 'Escape to Moominvalley,' a show on Tove Jansson's creative spaces, marking the 80th anniversary of the Moomins.