alvar aalto tour finland

Alvar Aalto Getaway in Jyväskylä: Two-Day Design Itinerary

* Commercial collaboration with Visit Jyväskylä . Please note that this post has affiliate links. If you buy through my links, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission – thank you!

How does a design and nature-filled Alvar Aalto tour in Jyväskylä sound? Think sunny Päijänne lake islets, red brick houses, marble, Finnish filter coffee, tall pines, strawberry meringue cake, sheltered patios, and forest window views.

I spent my teenage years in Jyväskylä, which has, astonishingly, almost thirty Alvar Aalto buildings.

Naturally, my high school self didn’t pay attention to those. She was busy:

• trying to appear cool at the party held at the Aalto hall of Jyväskylä Worker’s club (yup, an Aalto site)
• checking out boys errr…  the dance practice at Jyväskylä University (by Aalto, of course)

I’m glad I had a chance to right this wrong now and dive deep into Aalto’s designs.

If you are curious to see how Finnish design and architecture blends into nature and everyday life, this self-guided two-day getaway to Jyväskylä is perfect for you!

Psst… Based on my own experiences above and current situation living with a toddler, these activities will probably resonate with adults. Mom, a big thanks for babysitting our peanut.

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Here’s what this post will cover. In the last chapter, I have included the English-Finnish place names, links to check opening times, and addresses to help you navigate. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments!

Table of Contents

Who was Alvar Aalto?

Alvar aalto sites at the jyväskylä university area, alvar aalto block in the city center, where to stay in jyväskylä – alvar aalto style, säynätsalo town hall – the masterpiece, ode to the town hall café & bakery, magical muuratsalo experimental house, logistics for your aalto getaway, options for an aalto guided tour, your alvar aalto itinerary.

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was a world-famous Finnish architect and designer. As a Finn, it’s impossible for me to imagine Finland without his influence on our cities, design, and overall aesthetics.

I’m no art expert or architect, but I find that Aalto’s approach is a cool mix of Finnishness and international influences. Like many Finns, he was inspired by nature in his designs.

I especially love his signature modernist look. I would describe it as a combination of:

• raw, natural materials
• calm color palettes
• a distinctive feel of airiness
• undulating shapes
• crisp lines
• surrounding environment

Alvar Aalto worked with an “all in” mindset, designing both the big picture and the tiniest details and fittings of a building. His designs included furniture, textiles, and glassware, too. To me, that is something very Finnish. There’s no point doing a half-arsed job.

My family members living in Muuratsalo tell me Alvar was quite stubborn. They told me that Aalto stoned a neon sign of a local bank because it didn’t suit the aesthetics of Säynätsalo Town Hall.

Alvar Aalto Getaway in Jyväskylä: Day One

Jyväskylä city center has so many Alvar Aalto sites that it just seems unreal! All sites are within walking distance, just remember to wear comfortable shoes. 

If you are an Alvar Aalto newbie like me, start the day by visiting the Alvar Aalto Museum to get an overall picture and fascinating, quirky details of the grand maestro. For example, Aalto was crazy about Italy. He was adamant about sailing on his super sinkable boat every summer. I love knowing things like that!

The museum building itself is by Alvar Aalto. He wanted it to be more of a vibrant, general hub for art design, not a museum about himself as a designer.

The ground floor of the museum has a museum shop and a beautiful cafe & lunch place, called Alvar . The ceramic cream interior got me dreaming of an unnecessary kitchen do-over.

Note that the Alvar Aalto museum is not open on Mondays. Next to it is another building by Aalto: the Museum of Central Finland, which will re-open this autumn after renovation.

Walk uphill 5 minutes to explore the Building C of Jyväskylä University . I particularly love the beautiful hall and huge windows facing the pine forest. There, Belvedere cafeteria offers lunch and coffee on weekdays until 1 pm. It would be my go-to place on a rainy afternoon to read a book or distance work if I still lived in the city.

An example of a typical Finnish home with designs by Alvar and Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto Museum.

Iconic Artek furniture, Alvar Aalto Museum. 

The beautiful Cafe Alvar, Alvar Aalto Museum. 

The sturdy Building C, Jyväskylä University.

From the university, it’s a 15-minute walk to see the Alvar Aalto block of the city center. This single block boasts with three Aalto buildings: Jyväskylä City Theatre, Central Police Station and Construction Office! Naturally, all of them exude modern period Aalto.

Jyväskylä City Theatre can be checked quite nicely from the massive windows of the terrace and walking around the block and grass area next to the theatre. You’ll be able to access indoors from August 5th (weekdays 12 am – 5 pm).

Both the Central Police Station and Construction Office have windows next to their halls and entrances. You can visit the hallway on weekdays from 8 am to 3 pm as the buildings are in office use.

The last site is in the buzz of the downtown, the cream-colored Jyväskylä Workers’ Club . Most of the ground floor of this building is used by the Revolution restaurant where you can also grab a bite to eat. If you want to check out the grand Aalto hall, you can purchase a sneak peek from the catering company if there’s no event (10€/person).

• A travel tip: Want to know more about all the things to do you can do in Jyväskylä? Check out my detailed guide: 10 Charming Things to Do in Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä City Theatre.

Central Police Station is now in office use. 

Grab the free kit

Ooh, this is such a gem! You can spend the night at an Alvar Aalto site because Säynätsalo Town Hall offers simple Aalto-themed bedrooms and apartments!

They also borrow bikes and suggest awesome forest strolls so you can explore the beautiful nature near-by. The insanely delicious breakfast by the Town Hall Cafe adds the final touch to this experience.

If you want to spend the night in the Jyväskylä city center, try booking the Alvar Aalto room at Hotel Yöpuu. This hotel is one of the bests in town.

The apartment has an inspiring view over the grass patio at Säynätsalo Town Hall.

Be sure to walk around Säynätsalo Town Hall because each corner is unique!

Alvar Aalto Getaway in Jyväskylä: Day Two

For me, the most magical Alvar Aalto buildings in Jyväskylä are Muuratsalo Experimental house and Säynätsalo Town Hall.

Aalto designed the Town Hall to be a multi-function building, and I’m sure he would be proud to see it today.

Säynätsalo Town Hall combines an inspiring researchers’ residence, a unique travelers’ lodge, and a mouth-watering catering into a cool Aalto experience.

If I ever have a doctoral thesis to finish or a book to write, I have found my writer’s retreat! My favorite place is the hallway facing the piazza. I can only admire how Alvar completely re-thought the concept of a corridor and made it the focal point of the entire second floor.

I have now visited the building twice, and its charm hasn’t lost anything. There’s something truly magical about the Town Hall. It’s almost impossible to write it down in words.

Maybe it’s the spirit of Alvar and Elissa’s love which sparked when making the Town Hall or perhaps it’s how extraordinary the light is in this building.

It’s a place where you instantly feel inspired, safe, and calm.

My favorite place at Säynätsalo Town Hall: the L-shaped hallway facing the piazza.

A sunny evening at Säynätsalo Town Hall.

I thought they couldn’t make the Säynätsalo Town Hall any better, but they did – by adding a café with freshly-baked mouth-watering treats.

My savory quiche and divine meringue cake make me drool even now. The owner and baking genius, Hannele makes pretty much all treats from scratch every morning.

The café also has a delicious weekday lunch, which is a favorite all locals and summer inhabitants of the area.

My second favorite place at Säynätsalo Town Hall: anywhere enjoying the building and eating the delicious treats of Säynätsalo Town Hall Café & Bakery.

Muuratsalo Experimental house was Aalto’s summer cabin, giving inspiration and workspace not only to him but the architects working beside him. The huge lakeshore lot on Muuratsalo islet includes the house itself, Aalto’s boat, a unique lakeside smoke sauna, and a boat dock.

The unique character of the house is much due to the design experiments Aalto conducted there.

The grand white castle look is very different from the warmth of the patio and the minimalist interior. At the patio, Aalto and his team tried out various types and patterns of bricks to see how they looked.

Only a forest path leads to the Muuratsalo Experimental house. 

The dock which regularly welcomed guests when Elissa and Alvar lived here.

The smoke sauna with a grass roof was built on natural stones.

Aalto’s boat, named “Nemo propheta in patria” (No-one is a prophet in their own land) appears to tell how Aalto felt about being more recognized architect internationally than in Finland.

The breathtakingly grand look of Muuratsalo Experimental house. 

The house was super modern at the time. It has a water toilet and central heating system. Actually, these are luxury things for many Finnish summer cottages even today!

Muuratsalo Experimental house is still in use by family Aalto. Indoors, the personal belongings of Alvar make me feel like a summer guest who has arrived early. Goosebumps!

Note that you must buy a guided tour to see the house and the exact address is only provided with the ticket. The house is open from June until mid-September and offers guided tours 2-3 times per week. It’s impossible to visit the Experimental house with a pram or wheelchair because the lot has only forest paths.

Next to the bus stop of the bus 16 which takes you to Jyväskylä city center or Säynätsalo Town Hall, is a little cafe called Table en Bois. This cute park cafeteria serves traditional Finnish dishes like pea soup, black sausage, and oven pancake. The dishes were Aalto’s favorites.

The very experimental tiles of the patio. 

The cool interior of Muuratsalo Experimental house. 

This itinerary can be done with or without a car.

You can easily get to Jyväskylä by train or bus. Both options take z. 3,5 hours from Helsinki. The bus tickets are usually cheaper compared to train tickets. The prices of both increase the closer the travel dates come, so book early.

Check out my helpful post about bus and train traveling in Finland and find the correct links to book your long distance logistics.

The city bus takes you from the city center to both Muuratsalo Experimental house and Säynätsalo Town Hall.

The buses 16, 16M and 21 run from Jyväskylä city center to Säynätsalo every half an hour, check out the bus timetable here.

From June to August, you have a fantastic option to take a lake cruise from Jyväskylä harbor to Säynätsalo Town Hall. Here you can find more information about the timetable and details. 

Using a car naturally adds flexibility for your trip. You’ll find free parking everywhere except Jyväskylä city center, which is understandable.

With a car, I recommend also checking Muurame church , which was inspired by Alvar and Aino Aalto’s honeymoon in Italy. It’s easy to visit on your way in or out Säynätsalo Town Hall or Muuratsalo Experimental House.

• A travel tip by car:  Add an extra 20 minutes to your schedule, skip the motorway and drive the insanely gorgeous route from Korpilahti to Asiakkala. This scenic countryside road goes through bridges and ridges over Päijänne lake. You won’t believe how beautiful it is!

Muurame church is a short drive away from Säynätsalo and Muuratsalo. 

Take the lake view road. You won’t regret it!

You can book a dedicated guided tour to discover the sites in Jyväskylä.

I warmly recommend the wonderfully curated Aalto tour by Harri Taskinen , the keeper or Säynätsalo Town Hall and author of an everyman’s Alvar Aalto book in Finnish.

Harri tells about Aalto in a way that resonates and intrigues even if it would be your first time hearing about Alvar Aalto. The tour includes logistics between the sites and the minimum number of participants is two.

Visit Jyväskylä also offers guided two-hour walking tours about Alvar Aalto in the city center: Aalto Andante and Aalto Forte.

Here is an easy copy-paste list for you to check opening times (if a site is available) and to have on the go! In the middle, you can see the place name in Finnish.

Day One / Sites

• Alvar Aalto Museum | Alvar Aalto museo | Address: Alvar Aallon katu 7, Jyväskylä
• Jyväskylä University, Building C | Jyväskylän Yliopisto | Address: Seminaarinkatu 15, Jyväskylä
• Jyväskylä City Theatre | Jyväskylän Kaupunginteatteri | Address: Vapaudenkatu 36, Jyväskylä
• Central Police Station | Tietotalo | Address: Kilpisenkatu 1, Jyväskylä
• Construction office | Virastotalo | Address: Hannikaisenkatu 17, Jyväskylä
• Jyväskylä workers’ club ( inquire: a paid private viewing ) | Jyväskylän Työväentalo | Address: Väinönkatu 7, Jyväskylä

Day One / Restaurant or Coffee Spot 

• Cafe Alvar at Alvar Aalto Museum | Address: Alvar Aallon katu 7, Jyväskylä
• Belvedere Campus Restaurant at Jyväskylä University | Address: Seminaarinkatu 15, Jyväskylä
• Revolution Bar, Kitchen & Pub at Jyväskylä workers’ club | Address: Väinönkatu 7, Jyväskylä
• Säynätsalo Town Hall | Säynätsalon kunnantalo | Address: Parviaisentie 9, Säynätsalo
• Yöpuu Hotel | Address: Yliopistonkatu 23, Jyväskylä

Day Two / Sites

• Muuratsalo Experimental House | Muuratsalon koetalo | Address: Given with a purchased ticket, Muuratsalo

Day Two / Restaurant or Coffee Spot 

• Town Hall Café & Bakery at Säynätsalo Town Hall | Address: Parviaisentie 9, Säynätsalo
• Table en Bois , near Muuratsalo Experimental House | Address: Vuorenlahdenkatu 38, Muuratsalo

Are you going to visit an Alvar Aalto site when in Finland? Which one? Is there something else you’d like to know about Aalto or Jyväskylä? Let me know in the comments!

If you are looking for more information about Jyväskylä and Finnish culture, check out some of my other posts:

• 10 Charming Things to Do in Jyväskylä
• Epic Finland Summer Guide: 20 Practical and Cultural Tips
• 30 Cultural Things on Finland that Help You Understand a Finn
• How to Pick the Best Finland Guide Book for You!
• Quick Guide to Finnish Language Basics

About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Paulo Nobre

Friday 28th of June 2019

Jyväskylä is truly even more special than what I tought after beeing there for two times already :)

Kiitos paljon for showing us these jewels and special places.

Aalto had an unique view in architecture

Varpu Pöyry

Sunday 30th of June 2019

Thank you so much for your comment Paulo! Yes, it is such a fantastic city and the Aalto sites are so inspiring! Happy to know you liked this post!

Sheila Packa

Monday 17th of June 2019

Thank you for this article. The photographs are inspiring, and your travel writing is excellent. Definitely, I will plan a trip when I am in Finland.

Friday 21st of June 2019

Hei Sheila! I'm so happy to hear that, kiitos! These sites are fantastic and will make such wonderful activities when you are in Finland!

Wednesday 12th of June 2019

I Will definitely pay a visit, when I am ín Finland ??????????????

Saturday 15th of June 2019

Hei Judit, these all are such perfect summer destinations! You will like them so much!

ANGELA KOPONEN

Fantastic itinerary!

Thank you so much, Angela! It's a great little roadtrip! <3

We will be visiting this area next week and will be looking forward to seeing some of these beautiful sites. Thank you!

Hei Pauline! Oh, that's so great, Lakeland is gorgeous during the summer and these Aalto sites are just breathtaking! <3

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Alvar Aalto Grand Tour 05.-11. August 2024

Visit the most important Alvar Aalto heritage places during this magnificent  New Alvar Aalto Tour!

During this new alvar aalto tour we visit the following destinations:.

Born in the small rural municipality of Kuortane, Alvar Aalto graduated as an architect in 1921 from the Technical University of Helsinki. In 1923, he established his first office in Jyväskylä, carrying the grandiose name “Arkkitehtuuri-ja monumentaalitaiteen toimisto” (Office of Architectural and Monumental Art). The office first moved to Turku and from there ultimately to Helsinki in the early 1930s.

Designed in tandem with his wife Aino Aalto, also an architect, the family’s home was completed in Munkkiniemi in Helsinki in 1936. At that time, the Munkkiniemi area was not yet officially a part of Helsinki. The Aalto house now serving as a home museum was also designed to have a studio wing for use by the architectural office. Aalto knew the area well: as an example, in the early 1930s he designed a residential area (which never materialised) for the M.G. Stenius company in Munkkiniemi. The housing area designed for the employees of the National Pensions Institute were, in turn, completed in Munkkiniemi in 1954.

A new building was built in 1955 in Munkkiniemi near Aalto’s home to serve the needs of the expanding architectural office. Alvar Aalto’s studio is now the head office of the Alvar Aalto Foundation and a popular attraction among architectural travellers.

Several buildings designed by Alvar Aalto have been erected in the Helsinki region over the years. The head office of the National Pensions Institute and Enso-Gutzeit Co. Headquarters with their interiors were designed with great care down to the minutest detail for the needs of demanding clients. The centre of Helsinki houses buildings open to the public, such as the Rautatalo Office Building and the Academic Bookstore as well as Restaurant Savoy, which has kept its original interior from 1937 designed jointly by Aino and Alvar Aalto.

The House of Culture was completed near the centre of Helsinki in 1958. You can get to explore this building with a rich history and still used for versatile concerts and other cultural events during guided tours.

In 1959, the City Executive Board of Helsinki commissioned Alvar Aalto to draw up a plan for the central Kamppi-Töölönlahti area. Aalto outlined a new monumental centre for Helsinki, but ultimately only a small portion of the plans were brought to fruition – the Finlandia Hall is the only building of the row of cultural buildings planned along the Töölönlahti bay that was ever built.

The Finlandia Hall was designed as a conference and concert venue, and it is one of the last buildings designed by Aalto’s office. The Finlandia Hall was designed in 1967 to 1971 and 1973 to 1975. Alvar Aalto died in 1976, soon after the Finlandia Hall was ready.

Paimio Sanatorium

The building completed in 1933 as Paimio Sanatorium was of key importance to the international career of architects Alvar and Aino Aalto. Together with Vyborg (Viipuri) Library, completed two years later, it gave the Aaltos an international profile. Finnish architecture was no longer merely the receiver of influences from outside.

The building, constructed on the basis of their win in an architectural competition resolved in 1929, was groundbreaking. A tuberculosis sanatorium was particularly suitable for a building which followed the tenets of the new Functionalism, where bold concrete structures and state-of-the-art building services were inseparable elements of architecture and practicality.

Aalto designed the interior colour scheme, including the yellow floors in the main staircase, the colourful walls in the corridors, the dark ceilings in the patients’ rooms and the orange balcony rails, in conjunction with the decorative artist Eino Kauria.

The entire building complex, grouped together in several parts according to use, was constructed in accordance with Aalto’s philosophy, right down to the smallest details of the furniture. As far as the loose furniture was concerned, a good many items designed specifically for the sanatorium were used, as well as standard products which were already available. According to the idea of standardisation, which belonged to the spirit of the times, these items were also planned for use elsewhere – for example, many of the light fittings ended up in the catalogue of the Taito metalworks.

The pieces of furniture became key products for Artek, which was founded in 1935. The bent plywood Paimio chair in particular has become an international design icon. On the other hand, the three-legged stool, which is the same age as the sanatorium, was not included in the first phase of the furniture supplied by the Otto Korhonen furniture works. The furniture in the patients’ rooms was dominated by tubular-steel construction, soon to be spurned by the Aaltos.

An operating theatre wing designed by Aalto’s office was added to the main building in the late 1950s and new staff living-quarters were erected nearby in the 1960s. The sinuous, serpentine row of shared flats in the middle of the pine forest, known to the inmates as the ‘Hall of Vipers (Kyykartano), brought a new form of accommodation to the area.

Architect Alvar Aalto lived in Turku 1927 – 1933. This period saw the rise of a new era of architecture and furniture design. Aalto co-operated with Erik Bryggman, one of the earliest representatives of Finnish functionalist architecture, who had founded an office in Turku in early 1920s.

The office for the newspaper Turun Sanomat is an Aalto-designed office building located in city centre, constructed in 1928-29. Turku region is also home to furniture factory Korhonen, the traditional manufacturer of Artek furniture.

The Office Building for Turun Sanomat Newspaper, along with Aalto’s other works, Southwestern Finland Agricultural Cooperative Building and the Standard Apartment House, are included in the listing of Built Cultural Environments of National Importance. The international Docomomo organization also includes these sites in its list of iconic 1920s-1970s Finnish modernist sites.

The Terraced House at the Kauttua Works in Eura is a vivid example of the desire of the architect to integrate the building into the natural environment: the multi-storey residential building adapts to the slope, so the entrance of each apartment is on ground level. Completed in 1938, the Terraced House in Kauttua is one of Alvar Aalto’s most prominent works also internationally. It was an ordered assignment, and intended as the dwelling for the senior clerical employees of Ahlström Osakeyhtiö Corporation. The assignment also stemmed from Alvar Aalto’s friendship with the company’s CEO Harry Gullichsen and his wife Maire Gullichsen.

Located within the Noormarkku Works area, Villa Mairea was built in 1939 to serve as the home of Maire (née Ahlström) and Harry Gullichsen. The progressive couple were patrons of the arts, and they were interested in the clean-cut expression of modernism. Their good friends, the architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, had an opportunity to apply free and experimental design in the planning of Villa Mairea.

These favourable circumstances gave rise to a unique work of art, which is currently considered an international masterpiece in 20th century architecture. Interior design for Villa Mairea was in the hands of Aino Aalto.

As an architectural whole, the Administrative and Cultural Centre in Seinäjoki is unique on a global scale. Seinäjoki is also the location of the Defence Corps Building built in 1924-26, one of the rare works from Aalto’s youth. The Administrative and Cultural Centre consists of six buildings and the Civic Square completed in 1988.

The Administrative and Cultural Centre in Seinäjoki emerged from two architectural competitions, and it was built in 1958 to 1988.

Aalto Centre

Alvar Aalto won a church architecture competition arranged by the Parish of Seinäjoki with his plan “Lakeuksien risti”, Cross of the Plains, in 1951. Seven years later, he won the design competition for the centre of Seinäjoki. Aalto was commissioned to design the town hall, library, theatre and government office building, all of which he had outlined in his competition suggestion.

Aalto’s architectural office designed not only the buildings of the Administrative and Cultural Centre but also the outdoor lighting fixtures, barriers, surface materials for yard areas and plants for the Centre.

Civic Square

Alvar Aalto’s plans for the centre of Seinäjoki were based on monumental but easily approachable squares and other open areas between public buildings. When Aalto was young, he admired the antique cultures, and this is reflected as a forum which was also influenced by the Italian piazzas.

The buildings around the Civic Square in Seinäjoki – the Town hall, Library and Seinäjoki theatre – border the square paved with granite paving and cobblestone. According to Aalto’s suggestion, the square was designed for conferences and summer meetings, and of course as a meeting place of citizens. Alvar Aalto wished that squares intended for the assembly of people would promote a “new renaissance” for the forming and exchange of opinions through social interaction.

The Aalto Centre was built gradually. The last part to be completed was the Civic Square with its fountain and plantings. The paving of the square continues on the eastern side across the street, linking the administrative and cultural buildings to the church buildings. This constitutes an overall work of art of six buildings and the square.

The city of Alajärvi in the Southern Ostrobothnia is located close to Alvar Aalto’s childhood hometown Kuortane. Aalto spent his childhood summers in Alajärvi and later had his own summer house there up to 1940s. For him Alajärvi represented leisure time with family and relatives in contrast to the hectic work at the office with all the assignments and architecture competitions. Later Aalto reminisced the place and called it his spiritual home.

In the scenic Alajärvi one can see buildings from the long span of Aalto’s career, from the earliest assignments to the last of his office. At the Alajärvi Administrative and Cultural Centre there are 11 locations, including the recently renovated Villa Väinölä, a home Aalto designed for his brother.

By the lake in Alajärvi there is the Alajärvi Church (1836), designed by the famous architect C.L. Engel. Aalto used to have a seat in the church loft in his youth. In the beautiful churchyard you can see e.g. war memorials designed by Alvar Aalto and the Aalto family grave.

The Administrative and Cultural Centre in Alajärvi consists of two municipal offices, the Parish Centre, Youth Association building, the former Municipal Hospital, a Health Station, Villa Väinölä and the City Library, which was finished by the architect studio of Aalto.

In addition there are the three memorials and the summer house Villa Flora, that Aalto designed for him and his wife Aino Aalto. Today Villa Flora is under private ownership.

The lobby of the Alajärvi town hall houses  Muodon Vuoksi , an exhibition of the classic 1930s glass design of Alvar and Aino Aalto.

Alajärvi was a town dear to Aalto and he put his heart and soul into the local projects. The countryside was his retreat during the busy creative years.

The Nelimarkka Museum in Alajärvi was founded by the painter and professor Eero Nelimarkka (1891-1977) in 1964. The building was designed by his friend, the architect Hilding Ekelund. Since 1995 it has functioned as the Regional Art Museum of Southern Ostrobothnia. It focuses on displaying regional Ostrobothnian art but art education also plays an important role.

Temporary exhibitions, workshops and events for visitors of all ages are organized regularly. Since the mid- 1980s the museum has also provided an international residency program for artists.

In summertime you can enjoy coffee and cake in the light atmosphere of Café de Nelimarkka. The museum shop is open year-round. You can book a customized tour or workshop at the museum. Nelimarkka museum maintains the near-by Villa Nelimarkka and Villa Väinölä, located in the centre of Alajärvi.

In Jyväskylä, the city of lakes and hills in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, you’ll find the largest number of masterful buildings in the whole world designed by the world-famous architect and academician Alvar Aalto.

The impressive portfolio of 28 locations includes, for instance, the Alvar Aalto Museum, Muurame Church and Säynätsalo Town Hall, which is regarded as one of Aalto’s finest works.

Alvar Aalto also went to school, started a family and began his illustrious career in Jyväskylä. The city of Jyväskylä is home to Aalto creations from the very start of his career right through to designs from his final years.

In Jyväskylä you’ll tread in the master’s footsteps from classicism to functionalism and from brickarchitecture to monumentalism!

Tour date: The next tour will be arranged upon interest in August 2024.If you are interested in this tour please send us a message at [email protected] .

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Take A Tour of Alvar Aalto’s Functionalist Buildings

Editorial feature.

By Google Arts & Culture

Alvar Aalto (1930/1939) Alvar Aalto Foundation

Discover the work of one of the most important architects of the 20th century

Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto, AKA Alvar Aalto , was one of the most important Finnish architects of the 20th century and a pioneer of modern architecture and design. After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works fell under the style Nordic Classicism, a style of architecture that blossomed in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland between 1910 and 1930. In the late 1920s and 30s, Aalto made a number of journeys to Europe with his first wife, Aino Marsio, a fellow architect and soon became familiar with the latests trends in Modernism. Aalto adopted a Modernist aesthetic in his buildings, and the style was often characterized by asymmetrical compositions, flat roofs, use of reinforced concrete, a lack of ornament or moldings, and a leaning towards white or cream finishes. This led Aalto toward a path of functionalism, an architectural principle that suggests buildings should be designed solely for the purpose and function of the building. The architect’s style developed over the years, but the constant in his career was a concern for design as a Gesamtkunstwerk , a “total work of art”: Aalto would not design just the building, but also give special treatments to the interior surfaces and design furniture, lamps, and glassware. Here we take a tour of some of Aalto’s most successful projects and discover why his passion for creating buildings means he’s still one of the most revered of architects.

Alvar Aalto (From the collection of the Alvar Aalto Foundation)

Central City Alvar Aalto Library Vyborg Library, Vyborg, Russia

House of Culture, Helsinki, Finland

Studio Aalto, Helsinki, Finland

Lakeuden Risti Church, Seinäjoki, Finland

Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Finland

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art, Aalborg, Denmark

Aalto Theatre, Essen, Germany

Explore more: – The Buildings of Modernist Architect Le Corbusier

A Stool Makes history

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A Guide to Alvar Aalto's Top Buildings in Finland

Alvar Aalto, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated architects, was inspired by his native Finland’s environment, yet his work has a vast universal appeal. Of Aalto’s 500 works, 400 are located in Finland. Here is a guide to Aalto’s top buildings in Finland.

1. villa aalto.

Villa Aalto is located in the posh and leafy seaside area of Munkkiniemi. But when Aalto built his home here in 1935, the neighbourhood was not yet developed. Villa Aalto is part of the Alvar Aalto Museum, which operates in Helsinki and Jyväskylä. Villa Aalto represents the functionalism of Aalto’s early style with some unique features for its time, such as a walk-in closet in the bedroom!

2. Studio Aalto

Studio Aalto in Helsinki is located only 450 metres from Villa Aalto and dates from 1955 and 1956. Aalto designed the studio as a separate atelier and architect bureau. The studio is considered one of Aalto’s masterpieces from the 1950s. Here, in an amphitheatre-like courtyard surrounded by whitewashed walls of his building, Aalto used to have client meetings and presentations. Aalto is reported to say that “architectural art cannot be created in an office-like environment.”

3. Finlandia Hall

Located in the city centre district of Töölö , you cannot miss the white and majestic Finlandia Hall rising on Töölönlahti Bay. The marble-clad Finlandia Hall was finished in 1971 and reflects Aalto’s interest in Monumentalism. Aalto’s signature can be seen also in the small details, such as the lights and door handles. Finlandia Hall functions as a music venue and guided tours are organised to get a more in-depth feel of Alvar Aalto’s architectural genius.

4. University of Jyväskylä

5. Museum of Central Finland

The 1960s was the “white period” for Alvar Aalto, which is exemplified in the Museum of Central Finland with its white exterior and few windows. The museum was completed in 1961 and marks a distinctive separation from Aalto’s red-brick buildings in the University of Jyväskylä campus. The museum will reopen in 2019 after renovation.

6. Alvar Aalto Museum

Close to the Jyväskylä University campus stands Alvar Aalto museum, dedicated not only to Aalto’s architecture but to his designs and personal life. Aalto spent much of his youth in Jyväskylä and he has also designed the Alvar Aalto Museum, opened in 1973. In Alvar Aalto Museum, the visitor gets a solid grasp of the genius’ life work. Apart from Aalto’s work in architecture, Alvar Aalto Museum showcases Aalto’s work in glass and furniture design. There is also a lovely café and shop downstairs.

7. Muuratsalo Experimental House

Located about 20 kilometres outside the city centre of Jyväskylä, Muuratsalo Experimental House was Aalto’s summer home on the island of Muuratsalo. The L-shaped main building dates from 1952 and the guest room wing from 1953. The summer house functioned also as a laboratory where Aalto experimented with new techniques and sought inspiration from nature. Here, Aalto also experimented with solar heating – way ahead of his time!

8. Villa Mairea

Villa Mairea in Pori was built in 1939 to Maire and Harry Gullichsen, who were big promoters of art. Free rein was given to Aalto and his wife Aino Aalto, who is responsible for the interior design. The fabulously stylish result with a collection of 20th-century designer masterpieces can now be admired in Villa Mairea, which oozes Finnish style inside and out. The house is open to the public through advance booking.

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Aalto tours in Finland – all year round

Architects Aino and Alvar Aalto were pioneers of modern Finnish architecture and design. Their designs can be found in Finnish homes and buildings in Finnish cities.

Explore the new European Cultural route: Alvar Aalto Route – 20th Century Architecture and Design, and discover shapes, forms, colours and Finnish lifestyle.

We will be happy to plan a travel route for you to suit your schedule and your budget. We will book visits, guides, accommodation, food and transport. Itineraries from one day upwards.

Choose one, several or all of these Aalto locations and come explore!! See our succestions below.

Helsinki was the last hometown of the Aaltos, so the Aalto home and studio should be visited, as well as many public buildings in Finnish capital, and Otaniemi Campus in the neighbouring town.

Raasepori boasts the lovely Villa Schildt, that was recently opened to the public.

Paimio Sanatorium propelled the Aaltos to international fame. A must-visit.

Turku is not only Finland’s oldest town, but also home to it’s first modern buildings. These were designed by both Aaltos and Erik Bryggman.

Kauttua has a lot of workers’ housing and the wonderful Terraced House. The Riverside Sauna is available for modern bathers as well.

Noormarkku is famous for one of the finest villas, Villa Mairea, full of art. Also one of the must-visits. In Vainiola you can fall asleep to Aalto-inspired dreams.

Seinäjoki and its Aalto Center are delightful, not to mention the Lakeuden Risti church.

Jyväskylä is full of Aalto buildings. There is plenty to choose from, but at least visit the University campus and the Alvar Aalto museum (opens renovated summer 2023)

Säynätsalo town hall lets you familiarize yourself with interesting public planning. Also, spend the night under Aalto’s roof. The Muuratsalo Experimental house can be visited during the summer.

** Aalto buildings can also be found in Kouvola, Imatra, Kotka, Rovaniemi etc. How much time do you have? And what else do you want to experience?

We tailor-make all kinds of tours and travel in Finland, to individuals or groups.  

Example itinerary for a Aalto in Finland – one week package tour, please click here.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us!

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Studio Aalto

Address: Tiilimäki 20, 00330 Helsinki, Finland Open Google map

Entrance fee: 10 € - 20 € / person

Tours: Book your ticket in advance online. Visit lasts 1 hour, from which 30 minutes is guided.

Themes: Modernism, Office buildings, Whitewash

Website: Alvar Aalto Foundation

Alvar Aalto designed the building at Tiilimäki 20 in Munkkiniemi as his own office in 1955. Because of a number of large commissions, the office needed more space to work in. The building is only a short walk from Aalto’s own house, where the office had previously been located. Studio Aalto is one of the best of Alvar Aalto’s 1950s buildings.

“You can’t create architecture in an office environment,” is how Aalto described working in an architect’s office. Aalto designed a free-form studio section for the building, and a drawing room using natural light. The building curves around a stepped, amphitheatre-style courtyard sheltered from the wind. On the upper floor there is a drawing office on a narrow plan, beautifully encircled by natural light from a band of high-level windows. In 1962-1963 the building was extended by building a dining room for the staff, the ‘Taverna’, in the courtyard behind the high brick wall, with an office above it.

Many of Aalto’s best-known works were designed here at the Studio. Alvar Aalto ran the office until his death in 1976. After that, the office continued under the leadership of Elissa Aalto until 1994. The building came into the custodianship of the Alvar Aalto Foundation in 1984 and today it houses the Alvar Aalto Foundation staff. You can visit the Studio Aalto in guided tours for groups. There are public guided tours of the Studio throughout the year.

The white-rendered, wall-like, closed-in mass of the building conceals a garden shaped like an amphitheatre in its inner courtyard. The office staff could sit on the slate steps of the amphitheatre, listen to lectures or watch slide shows projected on the white wall.

The principal space in the building is the curving studio which has a view opening onto the courtyard. Horizontal battens fixed to the high walls of the studio allowed drawings to be displayed there. The rear wall is covered with climbing plants reaching up to the high-level windows and prototypes of light fittings designed by Alvar Aalto are hung in front of the wall.

The slanting bay window of the conference room with its roof light creates the perfect conditions for examining models and drawings.

Studio Aalto in Munkkiniemi, Helsinki. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

The windows in the Studio Aalto’s curved wall open onto the courtyard. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

Aalto designed a free-form studio section for the building, and a drawing room using natural light. The building curves around a stepped, amphitheatre-style courtyard sheltered from the wind. Many of Aalto’s best-known works were designed here at the Studio.

Information for visitors

Good to know.

Studio Aalto is located in Munkkiniemi area in Helsinki on Tiilimäki 20. From the city centre of Helsinki you can take a tram number 4 to Munkkiniemi area. The closest stop to the house is called Tiilimäki. Please check timetables online from the journey planner .

You can visit Aalto’s studio with a guided tour. It is highly recommended to book visit in advance online from Alvar Aalto Foundation’s webshop!  There are tours available all year round almost daily. Tours lasts an hour and includes both the guided tour itself and free time to enjoy the special atmosphere in the house and explore the museum shop too. Please check times and exception in advance from Alvar Aalto Foundation webpage .

Please note, that you can also visit The Aalto House which is also located in Munkkiniemi on Riihitie 20. Please check times and book your tickets online in advance!

Read more about Studio Aalto

Please note that you can purchase publications about Studio Aalto as well as download architectural drawings from Alvar Aalto web shop!

Guided tours

Follow in the footsteps of Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto, deeply rooted in Lakeland Finland, is considered a pioneer of Nordic architecture. However, the Finn was not only a successful architect whose unmistakable style continued to evolve over the years. He is also an icon in terms of design. Jyväskylä is considered the Aalto capital, because by far the most buildings designed by Aalto from the various periods of his work can be found in the city and region. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most interesting Aalto spots in Lakeland Finland.

Alvar Aalto and his connection to Jyväskylä

In 1898, Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto saw the light of day as the firstborn of four siblings. Five years later, the family moved to the city of Jyväskylä, where Aalto attended school. After graduating from high school in 1916, Aalto went to study architecture at Helsinki University of Technology. As soon as he had graduated, he returned to Jyväskylä and opened his first architectural office in the basement of a hotel. The beautiful wooden building in the centre of Jyväskylä is nowadays known as Nikolainkulma and you can find a popular café there.

Even later, when he worked in other places, the “father of modernism” always returned to his roots and spent a lot of time in the Jyväskylä Region. His Experimental House in Muuratsalo became Aalto’s personal hideaway and a source of creativity. So Lakeland Finland, with its tranquility and nature, certainly provided inspiration for Aalto’s works. Today, the inhabitants of Jyväskylä and the surrounding area live surrounded by Aalto architecture, which is a part of everyday life and regional cultural identity.

Pioneer in architecture and design

Alvar Aalto’s complete works are impressive in their complexity. For example, he designed the Finnish pavilions at the 1936 World’s Fairs in Paris and 1938 in New York, the world-famous Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, or the Aalto-Theater in Essen, to give just one example of his international output.

On the other hand, he achieved world fame in the field of furniture and interior design, for example with his iconic Artek Stool 60 or the legendary Aalto Vase. His two wives, Aino and Elissa, played an important role in all his work, and their influence was probably greater than many people realize to this day.

Discover Alvar Aalto in Jyväskylä and its surroundings

Are you ready for a discovery tour to the most exciting Alvar Aalto spots in the city of Jyväskylä and its surroundings? Let’s get started on a journey through the Aalto capital in Lakeland Finland:

1. Aalto2 Museum Centre

The Aalto2 Museum Centre, opened in May 2023, houses both the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland under one roof. You can immerse yourself in the history of the region and learn a lot of interesting facts about the world-famous architect and his career.

2. Säynätsalo Town Hall

Less than 16 kilometers south of downtown Jyväskylä, in the middle of the beautiful Lakeland Finland, you can discover one of the most important works of Aalto architecture, the Säynätsalo Town Hall. Built between 1949 and 1952, the building is characterized by its winding design and organic forms. Aalto admirers from all over the world make pilgrimages here. If you want, you can even spend the night in Säynätsalo Town Hall.

3. Boat Nemo Propheta In Patria

In 1954-1955, the boat Nemo Propheta In Patria (“No one is a prophet in his own country”), designed by Alvar Aalto, was made, which Alvar and Elissa Aalto used to travel to their Experimental House in Muuratsalo. Today you can admire the boat in a specially designed boat shelter in Lutakko harbor in Jyväskylä. It stands right next to the Sataman Viilu design sauna and is within easy walking distance.

4. Jyväskylä workers’ club

The Jyväskylä workers’ association building is considered to be the first significant public building designed by Alvar Aalto. You can find it in the middle of downtown Jyväskylä, where it was built as early as 1924 and 1925. The classicist influences are clearly visible here, for example in the form of Tuscan columns – elements that disappeared completely in later works. If you want to take a tour of the inside of the building, this is only possible by prior appointment and you will have to pay a fee.

5. Seminar Hill

A prime example of Aalto architecture is Seminar Hill, where University of Jyväskylä is situated. The campus unmistakably bears the signature of its creator, whether you stroll around the outside of the grounds or take a look inside the buildings. It was here that Alvar Aalto implemented his ideas of a modern and people-friendly learning environment in 1952 and 1954. In addition to Aalto’s work, there are both older and newer buildings in the area, and together they form a stunning and charming ensemble.

6. Jyväskylä City Theatre

The architect set himself a monument in the center of Jyväskylä with another landmark. Part of the central district he designed, the Jyväskylä City Theatre has been inviting locals and visitors to enjoy performances in the Aalto-typical ambience since its completion in 1982.

7. Muuratsalo Experimental House

Between 1952 and 1954, the so-called Experimental House was built on the island of Muuratsalo, just five kilometers from the Säynätsalo Town Hall. It was used extensively as a summer home by Alvar and Elissa Aalto. Surrounded by the nature of Lakeland Finland it was not only a place to relax, but here Aalto actually experimented with a wide variety of materials and elements. You can only visit the Experimental House on a guided tour.

8. Muurame Church

Muurame Church, completed in 1929 and located 16 kilometers south of Jyväskylä, is the only one of Aalto’s various church plans from the 1920s that was actually realised. The church is exceptional because its construction shows Aalto’s evolution from classicism to functionalism.

More Alvar Aalto locations in Lakeland Finland

It is true that most of the Alvar Aalto locations in Lakeland Finland can be found in the Jyväskylä Region. However, we would like to mention a few other destinations that are absolutely worth a visit here as well.

The Iittala Glass Factory and the Iittala Design Museum

The Aalto vase, designed by Alvar Aalto, with its characteristic organic shape, is the best-known glass product from Finland in the world. It is still handmade by glassblowers at the Iittala Glass Factory near Hämeenlinna. Take a guided tour of the factory or visit the Iittala Glass Museum to learn more about the history of glass production.

Ristinkirkko – the Church of the Cross in Lahti

Completed in 1979, the Church of the Cross is one of Alvar Aalto’s great architectural works. Situated on a hill with it’s distinctive tower, it is one of the most impressive buildings in the city of Lahti in Lakeland Finland. The church, which seats 1150 inside, is part of an axis with the City Hall, designed by Eliel Saarinen, at the other end.

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Tour Finland’s Charming Summer Cottages Designed by Alvar Aalto

When the sun finally rises and the snow melts away after a long, cold winter, the Finns are more than ready to embrace the summer. A common tradition is to spend the season in a lakeside cottage—there are half a million summer houses in the country. An exhibition at the Alvar Aalto Museum in Jyväskylä, Finland, takes a look at the designs of such villas crafted by the institution’s namesake, an architect who made the city his home during the early 20th century.

When the demand for summer houses increased, competitions were held to produce designs that could be built across the country. Architects created hundreds of drawings—some of Aalto’s are presented here in the exhibition. The show also presents models of his commissions, such as a country club built in the town of Kallvik, as well as 16-millimeter footage of Aalto’s family vacations at his own getaways, the Villa Flora and the Experimental House.

“From the very beginning, Finns have sought inspiration for building from various sources, including the summer homes of artists and architects,” says curator Mari Murtoniemi in a statement. “Aalto’s summer cottage designs link the architecture of summer holidays to the development of society as a whole.”

*Through September 13 at the Alvar Aalto Museum, Alvar Aallon katu 7, Jyväskylä, Finland; alvaraalto.fi

By Rachel Davies

By Claudia Williams

By Charlotte Collins

Alvar Aalto Foundation | Alvar Aalto -säätiö EN Alvar Aalto Foundation | Alvar Aalto -säätiö EN

• Architecture

29. 4. M o n d a y

Guided tours.

for groups by appointment

The Aalto House

Studio Aalto

Exhibition: AALTO – AINO, ALVAR, ELISSA

Exhibition: new standards – puutalo oy 1940-1955, 30. 4. t u e s d a y.

12:00, 13:00 and 14:00

1. 5. W e d n e s d a y

2. 5. t h u r s d a y, 3. 5. f r i d a y, 4. 5. s a t u r d a y, 5. 5. s u n d a y, 6. 5. m o n d a y, 7. 5. t u e s d a y, 8. 5. w e d n e s d a y, 9. 5. t h u r s d a y, 10. 5. f r i d a y, 11. 5. s a t u r d a y, 12. 5. s u n d a y, 13. 5. m o n d a y, 14. 5. t u e s d a y, 15. 5. w e d n e s d a y, 16. 5. t h u r s d a y, 17. 5. f r i d a y, 18. 5. s a t u r d a y, exhibition: the pool – the origin of pool skateboarding, 19. 5. s u n d a y, 20. 5. m o n d a y, 21. 5. t u e s d a y, 22. 5. w e d n e s d a y, 23. 5. t h u r s d a y, 24. 5. f r i d a y, 25. 5. s a t u r d a y, 26. 5. s u n d a y, 27. 5. m o n d a y, 28. 5. t u e s d a y, 29. 5. w e d n e s d a y, 30. 5. t h u r s d a y, 31. 5. f r i d a y, 1. 6. s a t u r d a y, 2. 6. s u n d a y, 3. 6. m o n d a y, 4. 6. t u e s d a y, 5. 6. w e d n e s d a y, 6. 6. t h u r s d a y, 7. 6. f r i d a y, 8. 6. s a t u r d a y, 9. 6. s u n d a y, 10. 6. m o n d a y, 11. 6. t u e s d a y, 12. 6. w e d n e s d a y, 13. 6. t h u r s d a y, 14. 6. f r i d a y, 15. 6. s a t u r d a y, 16. 6. s u n d a y, 17. 6. m o n d a y, 18. 6. t u e s d a y, 19. 6. w e d n e s d a y, 20. 6. t h u r s d a y, 21. 6. f r i d a y, 22. 6. s a t u r d a y, 23. 6. s u n d a y, 24. 6. m o n d a y, 25. 6. t u e s d a y, 26. 6. w e d n e s d a y, 27. 6. t h u r s d a y, 28. 6. f r i d a y, 29. 6. s a t u r d a y, 30. 6. s u n d a y, 1. 7. m o n d a y, 2. 7. t u e s d a y, 3. 7. w e d n e s d a y, 4. 7. t h u r s d a y, 5. 7. f r i d a y, 6. 7. s a t u r d a y, 7. 7. s u n d a y, 8. 7. m o n d a y, 9. 7. t u e s d a y, 10. 7. w e d n e s d a y, 11. 7. t h u r s d a y, 12. 7. f r i d a y, 13. 7. s a t u r d a y, 14. 7. s u n d a y, 15. 7. m o n d a y, 16. 7. t u e s d a y, 17. 7. w e d n e s d a y, 18. 7. t h u r s d a y, 19. 7. f r i d a y, 20. 7. s a t u r d a y, 21. 7. s u n d a y, 22. 7. m o n d a y, 23. 7. t u e s d a y, 24. 7. w e d n e s d a y, 25. 7. t h u r s d a y, 26. 7. f r i d a y, 27. 7. s a t u r d a y, 28. 7. s u n d a y, 29. 7. m o n d a y, 30. 7. t u e s d a y, 31. 7. w e d n e s d a y, 1. 8. t h u r s d a y, 2. 8. f r i d a y, 3. 8. s a t u r d a y, 4. 8. s u n d a y, 5. 8. m o n d a y, 6. 8. t u e s d a y, 7. 8. w e d n e s d a y, 8. 8. t h u r s d a y, 9. 8. f r i d a y, 10. 8. s a t u r d a y, 11. 8. s u n d a y, 12. 8. m o n d a y, 13. 8. t u e s d a y, 14. 8. w e d n e s d a y, 15. 8. t h u r s d a y, 16. 8. f r i d a y, 17. 8. s a t u r d a y, 18. 8. s u n d a y, muuratsalo experimental house.

Muuratsalo Experimental House, the summer home of Alvar and Elissa Aalto, is situated on the western shore of the island of Muuratsalo, in lake Päijänne. Within the grounds of the Experimental House are the house itself, a woodshed and a smoke sauna. The rocky site measures 53650 m2.

The Experimental House consists of the main building (1952) and a questroom-wing (1953). The L-shaped main building and walls enclose an internal courtyard which opens towards the south and west. In the internal courtyard, the facade treatment of the house changes from white-painted plastered walls to red brick. The heart of the patio is formed by an open fireplace in the centre of the courtyard.

The walls have been divided into about 50 panels which have been finished with various different kinds of bricks and ceramic tiles. The ground of the internal courtyard has also been finished with different brick patterns, in contrast to the rest of the site, which has been left in its natural state. The quest wing, the woodshed and the rock face form a screen to the informal garden area to the east of the building.

In Arkkitehti (the Finnish Architectural Review), number 9-10/53, Aalto describes the building as a combination of a protected architect’s studio and an experimental centre for carrying out experiments that are not yet sufficiently well developed to be tried out in practice, and where the proximity of nature may offer inspiration for both form and structure. Aalto’s aim was to create a kind of laboratory with a playful approach.

The main experimental areas Aalto mentioned were 1. experimenting with building without foundations 2. experimenting with free-form brick construction 3. experimenting with free-form column structures 4. experimenting with solar heating

‘Free-form brick construction’ and ‘solar heating’ experiments were not carried out, but ‘building without foundations’ was implemented in the sub-structure of the floor of the quest wing. ‘Free-form column structure’ experiments were carried out in the woodshed in such a way that the load-bearing wooden columns are placed in the most advantageous points in the terrain.

The smoke sauna is situated on the shore of the lake in a sandy cove. It was constructed on stones on the shore, and the building logs were obtained from trees felled on the site. In addition to the steam room, the sauna building contains a changing room. Alvar Aalto made sketches of the sauna and Elissa Aalto prepared the working drawings.

Designed in

Finland, Jyväskylä

Experimental House, site plan. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

A sketch of the main building and patio with its fireplace. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Alvar Aalto in the patio. Photo: Heikki Havas, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Ground plan. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The effect of different ceramic materials on the patio walls. Photo: Martti Kapanen, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Elissa Aalto in the patio. Photo: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The main windows of the living areas look onto the internal courtyard. Photo: Maija Vatanen, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The living-room is dominated by a large fireplace. Photo: Martti Kapanen, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Master bedroom. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Section. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The guest wing, "a building without foundations". Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Sauna. Photo: Eino Mäkinen, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Muuratsalo Experimental House is open for public 1.6.-15.9.2023 during guided tours.

Group bookings and enquiries: sales@aalto2.museum

Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

More information

Enquiries: sales@aalto2.museum

Photo: Heikki Havas, Alvar Aalto Foundation

Muuratsalo Experimental house

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Alvar Aalto's House of Culture in Helsinki is a modernist gem reborn

Modernist icon House of Culture by Alvar Aalto has been restored and brought to the 21st century by Finnish architecture studio JKMM and Design Agency Fyra for ASM Global Finland

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The midcentury gem that is the House of Culture in Helsinki is one of Alvar Aalto's masterpieces - an iconic event space conceived as a place for performance and the arts and imbued with the modernist architecture master's signature organic curves, sensitivity and use of brick. 

Completed in 1958 and an icon in architecture history, the place has seen gigs by the who-is-who of 20th-century music, including Queen and Led Zeppelin. Over the years, however, it fell in need of a refresh - and now, this landmark piece of architecture has got a new lease of life by a team led by Design Agency Fyra and including established Finnish architects JKMM, who worked on the interiors, for client ASM Global Finland, its new operator. 

Reviving Alvar Aalto's House of Culture

The site, owned by Helsingin Kulttuurihub, has been designated for preservation under Finland's Building Protection Act since 1989. This meant the architecture team had to tread carefully to ensure all changes were made in the original structure's spirit. JKMM, the design team behind several inspiring, yet considered reuses of existing buildings in the city - such as the Amos Rex Museum - as well as a wealth of cultural spaces across Finland, including the recently opened Chappe , took on the challenge to head the interior restoration. 

JKMM was assigned to work on the modernization and design care of the public areas, including the majestic main auditorium and concert hall, the black box club, the mirror room, the brick foyer, the lobby areas, and the restaurant. 

As the aim was for the space to continue to serve as an event space, hosting gatherings, conferences, art performances and music shows, all functions needed to be brought to the 21st century, while preserving the architectural spirit of the whole.

The building's basement-level Alppisali hall, a space that has stood dormant for years, has now been fully revitalised and transformed into a new venue. Originally designed as a cinema but having fallen into disrepair, the generous room has reopened as 'Kult,' a black-box type DJ and live music club accommodating 300-500 patrons. 

Elsewhere, areas have been cleaned and restored, refitted with modern technologies and services. Meanwhile, in the interior mix of surfaces and furniture, the architects explained that 'inspiration was drawn from the history of the building, existing surfaces, and today's youth culture, where personal identity is freely constructed by mixing styles and accessories from different eras and crossing gender and generational boundaries.'

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The architects write: 'At the heart of the renovation and modernization of the public spaces has been the creation of a functional event environment while respecting the cultural and historical value of the protected building.'

'In terms of interior design, references to different phases of the building's history have been incorporated into the audience spaces. The colours and shapes honour the original spirit of the building.'

The House of Culture’s existing, original furniture pieces by Ilmari Tapiovaara and Alvar Aalto were upholstered and reintroduced with care in various areas that felt fitting to host them, taking into account each space's function. Similarly, existing Aalto light fixtures were upgraded and reused, in another gesture that celebrates the great architect's lasting legacy. 

Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).

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Aalto ARTS alum Vidha Saumya’s artwork featured at the Venice Biennale 2024

The pleasures we choose is a multifaceted collaboration by artists Pia Lindman, Vidha Saumya, Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen , curators Yvonne Billimore and Jussi Koitela , and architectural designer Kaisa Sööt. 

The pleasures we choose blurs the boundaries between art, architecture, and social commentary, and brings together three artists for whom art, life, and activism are intertwined. Embraced as a collective project, the artwork evolved through the exchange of shared and individual experiences to create areas of diverse ‘occupancies’ where visitors are encouraged to reassess and (re)consider societal expectations.  

Out of the artist group, Vidha Saumya is an Aalto ARTS alum, who graduated from the Visual Culture and Contemporary Art (ViCCA) programme in 2018. She is also one of the founding memebers of MiF (Museum of Impossible Forms) and co-founder and co-editor of the publication NO NIIN, together with Elham Rahmati . Often engaging with the intricate relationship between human presence and the environment, Vidha Saumya’s work challenges the norms of aesthetics, gender, academia and nation-state. In her work, viewers encounter an interplay of desire, intimacy, and (home)land, offset by the heteronormative demands of utility, time and (dis)placement.

Venice Biennale, founded in 1895 and held biannually, is the oldest and most prestigious international forums for presenting contemporary art. Commissioning and producing the exhibition for the Aalto Pavilion of Finland, designed by architect Alvar Aalto in 1956, is Frame’s most extensive international project. Finland participates in two pavilions – the national Aalto Pavilion and the Nordic Pavilion – that are both located in the historical biennale park, Giardini di Castello. Pavilion of Finland at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia Address: Pavilion of Finland, Giardini di Castello 30122 Exhibition dates: 20 April – 24 November 2024

Visit Vidha Saumya’s website for more information.   

• Published: 24.4.2024
• Updated: 29.4.2024

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