Alvar Aalto Route – 20th Century Architecture and Design is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2021. The route is based on the works by architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898 –1976) – a mastermind of 20th century modernism. Alvar Aalto Route connects the architectural destinations designed by Aalto’s architecture office, raising awareness of this unique Europe-wide cultural heritage and making it accessible for travelling audiences.

Photo: Wolfsburg Cultural Center, Wolfsburg, Germany. Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The route offers experiences amidst the architectural landmarks of the renowned architect in his home country Finland and in France, Germany, Italy and Estonia. Since its certification the route has expanded by over ten new members and established itself in two new countries, France and Italy. Alvar Aalto Route is managed by Cultural Route on Aalto’s Architecture and Design Heritage Association.

Cultural Route on Aalto’s Architecture and Design Heritage Association was founded in 2020 and it was initiated by Alvar Aalto Foundation and Alvar Aalto Cities, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Education of Finland. In 2021 Alvar Aalto Route – 20th Century Architecture and Design – was awarded the certification as one of the valued cultural routes of the Council of Europe.

The purpose of the association is to preserve Aalto’s cultural heritage and to promote cultural tourism to Alvar Aalto sites in Europe and elsewhere in the world. In 2021 the Council of Europe awarded the Alvar Aalto Route – 20th Century Architecture and Design with the prestigeous Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe certification. The Route Association manages the Alvar Aalto Route, which is the first Cultural Route of the Council of Europe managed from Finland.

At present the Alvar Aalto Route stretches to five European countries. The route association has 33 members who are Alvar Aalto destinations, Alvar Aalto cities, foundations, associations, universities, regional tourism organisations and tour operators.