Renovation is underway for the Alvar Aalto Museum in Ruusupuisto in Jyväskylä. During the renovation in 2021–2023 a new connecting wing will be built between the two neighbouring museums.

As the renovation project progresses in stages, building engineering technology will be overhauled, structures repaired and the premises rearranged to facilitate future functions in the museum, originally built in 1971–1973. The works outside the building started by fencing the site and will continue by excavation and construction of a new underground machinery space for ventilation. Inside the museum, the first project is to cover and dismantle the surfaces.  The construction work has a reasonably low impact on traffic arrangements in the area.

Renovation of the Alvar Aalto Museum is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. “We are pleased that the renovation project will be commencing as scheduled. Attention to the special features of modern architecture is of particular importance and requires a specific approach to the renovation of a museum building,” says Tommi Lindh, the CEO of the Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The target is to create comfortable premises that not only serve clients better but facilitate the functions and activities of the new museum. The “We are eagerly anticipating the stage when the two museum buildings designed by Alvar Aalto will be connected by an extension. This will also enable a new form of collaboration in planning and implementing museum services,“ envisions Heli-Maija Voutilainen, the Director of Jyväskylä City Museum Services.

The new museum centre will be opened to the public in summer 2023.

The Alvar Aalto Museum renovation and annexe were designed by Arkkitehtitoimisto A-Konsultit Oy. Construction Company U. Lipsanen Oy was chosen as the main constructor. Ventilation will be renovated by Are Oy, electricity by Ajansähkö Oy, plumbing by JKL-Hana OY, building services by Caverion Suomi Oy, and security systems by BLC-Turva Oy. The cost of the construction project will total 7.1 million euros.

More information:
Alvar Aalto Foundation
Tommi Lindh, Chief Executive Officer
tel.  044 562 1625
tommi.lindh@alvaraalto.fi

Alvar Aalto Museum / Alvar Aalto Foundation
Katariina Pakoma, Chief Curator
tel.  0400 849 315
katariina.pakoma@alvaraalto.fi

Museum of Central Finland
Heli-Maija Voutilainen, Director of Museum Services
tel.  050 355 5048
heli-maija.voutilainen@jyvaskyla.fi

Photograph: Alvar Aalto Museum (1971–73) in Ruusupuisto in Jyväskylä. Photo Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.