The Network of Alvar Aalto Cities was launched in Jyväskylä on February 3, 2017. The network’s members are Alajärvi, Espoo, Eura, Hamina, Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Järvenpää, Kotka, Kouvola, Lahti, Oulu, Paimio, Pori, Rovaniemi, Seinäjoki, Turku, Vantaa and Varkaus.

The Alvar Aalto Cities form a network of active partners that are all of equal standing regardless of the size of the locality or the number of Aalto sites there. The freeform network is being further expanded by inviting towns, cities and municipalities where there is Alvar Aalto architecture of sufficient significance to become members. The network’s activities are coordinated by the Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The network’s goal is to increase Aalto awareness both in Finland and abroad. Joining forces on communications and marketing will, for instance, improve the visibility and accessibility of exhibitions, tourist attractions and events. This will primarily provide a service for tourists with a special interest in the built environment, architecture and Alvar Aalto’s production.

Our new web service built around Alvar Aalto’s architecture, VISIT.ALVARAALTO.FI, has been launched. Published by the Alvar Aalto Foundation, the web service has been designed and produced in partnership with tourism experts and local business operators from each covered area in Finland.

The annual mayors’ meeting in Seinäjoki on February 1–2, 2018 decided that cities abroad with Alvar Aalto architecture sites that are classed as significant are to be invited to join the network.