We had expected to find some cool things here, architecturally speaking. But honestly, Helsinki architecture and design in general have blown us away. Mid-century shines, but there are some great older buildings, and also some contemporary stuff. We could, and did, spend days walking around looking at buildings.
Here’s just one example. The central train station, designed by Eliel Saarinen, was finished in 1919. We’re fans of Art Deco, and this is a classic example of it. In fact, it’s often voted one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Less-beautiful, perhaps, but no less iconic, are the ‘lantern-carriers’ at the front entrance, who sometimes dress up for special events (especially sports-related).
This Saarinen, important in the planning of several European cities, is the father of the more famous Eero Saarinen. The younger Saarinen designed Dulles airport, the TWA terminal at JFK, and the St. Louis Arch. Like many artistic Finns, he worked in more than one area. The famous tulip chair below is also his.
More stars of the Finnish firmament are Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino Alto. Alto designed the vase above, which you have assuredly seen before. He also bent wood in innovative ways to create new works of art, including for the stools above, which you have also seen before. His furniture is especially famous, but he also he designed a number of buildings, including Finlandia Hall in Helsinki.
Speaking of architecture, the two traditional churches below give you a sense of the animating impulses of Finland. But they are not nearly as cool as Temppeliaukio, the 1969 church built into stone, or the 2012 nondenominational Kammpi chapel.
And then there’s Kisama, the contemporary art museum (built 1998 and closed at the moment). Even the main library, Oodi, rocked our world! We thought Oslo’s library was cool. (And it is.) But this one might be even cooler.
Apart from architecture, one of the most famous design houses in the world is Marimekko, known for fabrics (shown below left in the classic 1964 pattern, Unikko, and below right from the flagship store).
The Design Museum gives you a great sense of how important design has been to Finland, as well as showcasing some of their most important designers. Turns out they invented the plastic-and metal scissors too, as well as a lot of graphics stuff.
Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the world of Moomin, the Tove Jansson trolls that appear literally everywhere across the Nordic countries. We don’t quite get this one. But we’re willing to bet it’s just us. What have we missed (with the Moomins, or Finnish design in general)?
Your trip looks absolutely spectacular! I’m green with envy.
When are you back to Tallahassee? Maybe you’ll decide not to return after having so much fun.
Best,
Betty
Hello Betty and lovely to hear from you! As a matter of fact, we have no plans to return; we’ve gotten rid of everything we own in Tally. We are not entirely certain whether we’ll ever come back to the U.S. at all. Fun to have you coming along with us!