Helsinki landmark Finlandia Hall reopens after three-year renovation

After three years of renovation, Helsinki’s Finlandia Hall, the iconic modernist building designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, has officially reopened its doors to the public. The restoration, which cost 136 million euros, saw the replacement of the hall’s iconic façade, composed of 11,000 marble tiles that have been plagued by cracks since the building’s completion in 1971.

The decision to replace the damaged tiles was a significant part of the overhaul, with the new marble sourced from Northern Italy after extensive research and testing.

“We visited buildings constructed in the 1980s in Italy where the same marble remains in excellent condition. That gives us confidence in its longevity,” Teemu Tuomi, lead designer at NRT Architects, who headed up the renovation, told Finnish broadcaster YLE. The new tiles, he said, should last at least 50 years.

In addition to the façade, the renovation added a range of new features to the building.

A wine café has been added, alongside a bistro that is slated to open later in January. A permanent exhibition dedicated to Alvar Aalto and his collaborators, including his wives Aino and Elissa Aalto, will be unveiled in June to celebrate the legacy of one of Finland’s greatest design figures.

Art lovers will also be intrigued by Kimmo Schroderus’s awe-inspiring “Viihdyttäjän vapaapäivä” (Entertainer’s Day Off) sculpture on the café terrace, standing five metres tall and weighing in at 500 kilograms. 

“Helsinki has lacked a space dedicated to Alvar Aalto open year-round to everyone. Considering Aalto’s international reputation, it’s strange this hasn’t existed before,” said Johanna Tolonen, CEO of Finlandia Hall.

Visitors can also enjoy a curated art exhibition featuring works by prominent Finnish artists including Susanna Majuri and Birger Kaipiainen, displayed throughout the hall, as well as the addition of two newly converted guest apartments – available for overnight stays.

While Finlandia Hall will continue to host prestigious international events, including next summer’s 50th anniversary celebration of the OSCE, the reopening marks a shift in its role. 

“The biggest change is that this marks a new era for Finlandia Hall. Previously, it was known as a concert and conference venue requiring an invitation or ticket. Now, locals and visitors can access it daily without restrictions,” Tolonen told YLE.