Helsinki to Open Architecture and Design Museum by 2030
In February 2024, a design competition was announced for a new architecture and design museum in Helsinki. This initiative is supported by a public-private partnership, with the Finnish government and local authorities contributing €120 million to the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design. Private donors are anticipated to add another €30 million, including €20 million from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation. The museum will integrate the Design Museum Helsinki, established in 1873, and the Museum of Finnish Architecture, founded in 1952, which were merged in January 2024. The museum will occupy a former port area, covering 10,050 square meters, with a total budget of €105 million. Results will be revealed in September 2025, and an online information session is scheduled for April 24, 2024.
Key facts
- Helsinki will open a new architecture and design museum by 2030.
- The project is backed by €120 million in public funds (€60 million each from state and local government) plus €30 million from private donors.
- The Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation has already pledged €20 million.
- The museum merges Design Museum Helsinki (1873) and Museum of Finnish Architecture (1952), consolidated in January 2024.
- The competition site is a former port area in southern Helsinki, near two cathedrals and the market square.
- The new building will be 10,050 sqm with a total budget of €105 million (construction costs max €70 million).
- The competition has two phases; results announced September 2025; online info session April 24, 2024.
- The museum's collection exceeds 900,000 works, including pieces by Aino and Alvar Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Maija Isola, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Paavo Tynell, and brands Marimekko, Nokia, Fiskars.
Entities
Artists
- Aino Aalto
- Alvar Aalto
- Eero Aarnio
- Maija Isola
- Eliel Saarinen
- Eero Saarinen
- Paavo Tynell
Institutions
- Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design
- Design Museum Helsinki
- Museum of Finnish Architecture
- Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation
- Real Estate Company ADM
- Artribune
Locations
- Helsinki
- Finland