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Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was one of Finland's foremost architects and designers. His works span much of the 20th century and include modernist buildings of many different styles from functionalist buildings in the interwar era to the grand Finlandia Hall that was finished in 1971, a few years before his death. In 2026, thirteen of Aalto's works were listed as the 
UNESCO World Heritage Site Aalto Works.
Understand
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See
[edit | edit source]Helsinki
[edit | edit source]- 1 Former KELA main office (Helsinki/West).
- 2 Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13 (Helsinki/West). Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00. Designed by Finland's best known architect Alvar Aalto. It is across the street from the National Museum. The marble Finlandia Hall is a popular congress and concert venue in Helsinki. The building itself is worth a visit particularly for architecture buffs, with guided tours available (€6/4, check website for schedule). Be sure to view the building also from across the Töölönlahti bay in the evening when it is floodlit. Free.
- 3 Aalto House (Helsinki/West).
- 4 Aalto Atelier (Helsinki/West).
- 5 Kulttuuritalo (Helsinki Hall of Culture), Sturenkatu 4 (Helsinki/Inner East). The Helsinki Hall of Culture is a concert hall designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s. Since its opening, many world-famous artists and groups such as Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Tina Turner, Iron Maiden and Lady Gaga have held concerts there.
Jyväskylä
[edit | edit source]Southeastern Finland
[edit | edit source]- 9 Church of the Three Crosses (Kolmen ristin kirkko) (in Vuoksenniska district of Imatra). Open: 1 Sep - 31 May daily 10:00-15:00, 1 Jun - 31 Aug daily 09:00-20:00.
Western Finland
[edit | edit source]- 11 Paimio sanatorium (Paimion parantola), Alvar Aallon tie 275 (Paimio, Alvar Aallon tie goes to the north-east from the centre (2.5 km); bus stop "Paimion sairaala"), ☏ +358 2 3610-0302, +358 41-318-4431 (info desk during opening hours), info@paimiosanatorium.com. Summer: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 Sep–Oct Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00. Tuberculosis sanatorium by the famous functionalist architect Alvar Aalto, built 1929–1933. Also the furniture was by Aalto. Located in a sparse pine forest, the architecture was planned to be a device in the treatment. Also homes for the personnel and water treatment plants were built. Nationally significant built environment. As tuberculosis got uncommon, it was used for other respiratory illnesses and as general hospital. The use as hospital ended in 2015. A selection of guided tours in Finnish and English, 30–90 min. Café with lunch. Lodging in former patients' rooms (single/twin/dorm) and in former nurses' flats. Artists (broadly defined) can apply for a summer residency through an international programme.
- 12 Alvar Aalto Centre, Kauppakatu 17 (Seinäjoki), ☏ +358 6 416-2734. 15 May–31 Aug: Wed 12:00–18:00, Thu-Sun 12:00–16:00; 1 Sep–14 May: Wed 12:00–18:00, Thu Fri Sun 12:00–16:00. This centre is the administrative and cultural centre of Seinäjoki. The centre was designed by Alvar Aalto, a renowned Finnish architect and designer of the 20th century and one of the most important architects in the world. His work includes outstanding architecture, furniture, textiles and glassware. The Aalto Centre is composed of six buildings which were mainly completed between 1960 and 1968. The first building created was the church, Lakeuden Risti ("Cross on the Plain") and the last one, the theatre, in 1987.
- 13 Lakeuden Risti Church and Parish Centre (Cross of the Plain), Koulukatu 24, ☏ +358 6 418-4111. Mon–Fri 14:00–18:00; summer: daily 10:00–20:00. There was a competition for the design of Seinäjoki church which took place in 1951. There was no agreement because Aalto’s design did not follow some patterns required. Finally the construction took place until 1957–1960. The adjacent congregational centre was constructed in 1965–1966. The church seats 1200 people, the gallery another 124 and the small chapel 50 people. Everything, even in the interior, was designed by Alvar Aalto. It is absolutely a fascinating and impressive to see how perfect the measurements and details in the inside are. As part of the church there is a cross bell tower, which is 65 m, Seinäjoki’s highest building, which can be visited as well. There is an elevator and 36 more steps to get to the top of the tower; if you ask one of the church wardens you can ride the elevator to the top of the church tower for €1.
- 14 City Hall, Kirkkokatu 6, ☏ +358 6 416-2111. Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00. The competition for the City Hall design took place in 1958–1959. It was constructed in 1961–1962. The Council's meeting chamber is also used for concerts. The façade of the City Hall is clad with special blue porcelain rods. The whole interior of the building is characterized with Aalto’s singular style and design.
- 15 City Library, Koulukatu 21, ☏ +358 6 416-2326, kirjasto@seinajoki.fi. Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00, Sat 11:00–15:00; summer: Mon–Thu 10:00–19:00, Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat closed. The City Library - Regional Library, the architectural pearl of the Aalto Centre, was constructed in 1964–1965. The open book shaped building is a very unique design. There is free Wi-Fi and computers with scanner/printer connection. Check also in the bookmobiles if you happen to stumble upon them.
- 16 State Office Building, Alvar Aallonkatu 12. This building constructed in 1966–1968 holds many city and state offices in Seinäjoki. Its most significant feature in the interior is the court room.
- 17 City Theatre, Alvar Aallonkatu 12, ☏ +358 6 416-2600. Alvar Aalto presented his plans for the theatre building as early as 1969, but its construction was not carried out until 1986–1987 under Elissa Aalto's supervision. The theatre seats 429 people and the small stage 120. In the lobby there are famous wooden reliefs and Aalto’s biggest glass designs exhibition.