The iconic Finlandia Hall, situated in the heart of Helsinki and famously crafted by architect Alvar Aalto, has officially reopened to the public after undergoing extensive renovations. The project, which began nearly three years ago, has breathed new life and functionality back onto the premises, with the total cost ballooning to 136 million euros—significantly higher than the initial estimate of 119 million euros.
The renovations primarily targeted the building's aging facade, which suffered from cracks and decay. With 11,000 new marble tiles replacing the old ones, this third iteration of Finlandia Hall's exterior promises durability, as CEO Johanna Tolonen stated, "The new marble tiles should last at least 50 years. They underwent seven years of testing, including strength assessments." Despite exploring alternatives like granite, none provided the necessary durability, leading to the selection of Northern Italian marble. Architectural lead Teemu Tuomi reflected on the choice, saying, "We visited buildings constructed in the 1980s in Italy where the same marble remains in excellent condition. That gives us confidence in its longevity."
Alongside the revamped exterior, visitors can now enjoy numerous new features within Finlandia Hall. A wine cafe has opened to the public, with plans to introduce a bistro by January. The hall will also host permanent exhibitions relating to its founder, Alvar Aalto, his collaborators Aino and Elissa Aalto, and the rich narrative of Finnish design. "Helsinki has lacked a space dedicated to Alvar Aalto opened year-round to everyone. Considering Aalto's international reputation, it's strange this hasn't existed before," remarked Tolonen.
Art lovers will find delight as the hall showcases 70 pieces curated by the Helsinki Art Museum, featuring works from celebrated Finnish artists such as Susanna Majuri and Birger Kaipiainen. These artworks will be prominently displayed throughout the venue, enhancing the visitor experience.
Perhaps one of the most notable additions is the new accommodation offering, with two specially converted apartments named Aino and Elissa. Each suite can host four guests, providing luxury accommodations starting from 350 euros per night. "The first bookings have already been made. Globally, it's quite rare to have such an offering," Tolonen highlighted.
Moving forward, Finlandia Hall aims to serve as not just a venue for concerts and conferences but also as a vibrant community space. The largest shift since the renovations is the hall's new open-door policy. Previously accessible mostly via ticket or invitation, the venue now allows locals and tourists to visit without restriction. Tolonen explained, "The biggest change is... Now, locals and visitors can access it daily without restrictions." With the reopening, the venue plans to host significant international events like the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe next summer, demonstrating its enduring legacy within the global arena.
The opening weekend featured extensive visitor interest, with almost 3,000 people attending the inaugural event and participating in what would become the hall's first highlights of the year. The festivities culminated with the Strauss 25th anniversary concert, setting the tone for the vibrant cultural events to follow.
Visitors to Finlandia Hall are also encouraged to explore the outdoor terrace, where the stunning five-meter, 500-kilogram sculpture titled Viihdyttäjän vapaapäivä (Entertainer's Day Off) by sculptor Kimmo Schroderus greets them. This public art piece adds to the hall's visual appeal and recognizes Finlandia Hall's commitment to integrating art within the visitor experience.
For those interested in immersing themselves even more deeply, opportunities abound. An open house event slated for January 25 promises guided tours, engaging discussions, and family-friendly activities. Notably, the anticipated permanent exhibition dedicated to Alvar Aalto, set to open later this summer, will honor his life and work, alongside the impact of Finnish designers.
With its grand reopening, Finlandia Hall stands poised to reclaim its position as both a cultural landmark and community hub, inviting residents and tourists alike to experience its rich heritage and dynamic offerings. This transformation not only reinvigorates the architecture but also enhances its role within Helsinki’s cultural fabric, making it more accessible to diverse audiences for generations to come.