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In 1962 the Helsinki city authorities commissioned Aalto to design a concert and congress building as the first part of his great centre plan. The Finlandia Hall was completed nine years later. Even the earliest plans show the main characteristics of the final solution. One of the most conspicuous alterations involved the chamber music room, originally intended to soar like the main auditorium above the main building mass.

Designed in

1962/1967-75

Location

Finland, Helsinki

— 1

Töölö Bay façade of Finlandia Hall. Photo: Fethulla, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 2

Elevation towards Töölö Bay. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 3

Scale-model of plan for Helsinki city centre. Photo: Eva ja Pertti Ingervo, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 4

Sketches. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 5

Façade. Photo: Rune Snellman, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 6

Staircase leading to the concert hall foyer. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 7

Floor plan showing concert halls and foyer. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 8

Concert hall foyer. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 9

Façade. Photo: Fethulla, Alvar Aalto Foundation

— 10

Elevation towards Mannerheimintie. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation

Guided tours

Contact the Service Point for details on upcoming tours: servicepoint@finlandiatalo.fi

CSCE 1975

The annex of Finlandia Hall turned out to be a boon in 1975, when the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) brought the heads of state of 32 nations to Helsinki and the subsequently oft-cited Helsinki Declaration was signed at the Finlandia Hall.

Photos: Tapio Korpisaari, Helsinki City Museum

 

Changes in 2012

The ground floor part of Finlandia Hall was renovated on the Töölönlahti Bay side. This roofed exterior space was converted into interior space housing several new spaces.

Photo: Ground floor before changes. Maija Holma @ Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Photo of Finlandia Café & Wine restaurant.

Renovation in 2022-2025

A complete renovation of the building was completed in 2025. In the newly renovated building, a new restaurant was opened on the main floor. There’s also new shop next to the café.

More information: Finlandia Café & Wine

Photo: Riikka Kantinkoski © Finlandia Hall

Publication

Architecture by Alvar Aalto 13 – Finlandia Hall is a booklet presenting the sanatorium with images and drawings.

Available at the Studio Aalto and The Aalto House museum shops and Finlandia Shop.

More information

Finlandia Hall is an active conference and event venue.

More information on Finlandia Hall website.

Photo: Martti Kapanen, Alvar Aalto Museum.

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