Finland’s new Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki is one step closer to reality, as 623 design entries have been submitted in an international open competition. Architect-led teams from around the world responded to the call, aiming to create a landmark building on Helsinki’s historic South Harbour. You can view submissions here.
The competition jury, made up of architects, cultural experts, and policymakers, will select three to five finalists to move on to Stage 2 of the competition, each receiving €50,000 to further develop their concepts.
The new Museum of Architecture and Design, set to open in 2030, will merge the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki. The unified collection will feature over 900,000 artifacts that highlight the work of renowned figures such as Aino and Alvar Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Maija Isola, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, and Paavo Tynell, as well as iconic brands like Marimekko, Nokia, and Fiskars.
"The competition brief for Finland's new National Museum of Architecture and Design is an ambitious vision that embraces the museum's civic role in democratizing access to the tools of design,” says jury member Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Foundation. “We seek an architecturally unique building that meets high sustainability goals while being a welcoming and inspiring space — an active hub of engagement and creativity for many, and a place of calm and reflection for others. The jury has been deeply impressed by the thoughtful and innovative interpretations from architects and creative teams on how the new museum can best serve our communities.”
The competition is organized by the Real Estate Company ADM, owned by the city and state, and the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design. Funding is provided by the City of Helsinki, the Finnish government, and private foundations.
The competition continues with finalists to be announced in December 2024. The winning design will be chosen in September 2025.
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