Skip to main content

Calendar

Implementation of Aalto’s winning entry in the Lahti church competition of 1950 was postponed until a completely different building site was designated: the hill on which stood the city’s wooden church, designed in the late 19th century by Jacob Ahrenberg. Aalto was commissioned in 1969 to design a new, larger church to replace the old one.

Designed in

1969-79

Location

Finland, Lahti

— 1

Located on a hill, Aalto's new church was erected as the city's second architectural landmark in addition to City Hall designed by Eliel Saarinen. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 2

The facade material is dark red brick except for the massive bell tower of raw concrete. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 3

Entrance hall windows are shaped like a monumental cross. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 4

Sketches. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 5

Ground plan. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 6

Section of the church hall. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 7

Church hall. Photo: Fethulla Ädhäm, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 8

Church hall. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

Visits

Open daily 10AM – 3PM and during services. Tel: +358 50 577 2928 (concierge).

See our online service visit.alvaraalto.fi for more information, including tours.