Voice Your Opinion on Finland's New Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki

It's been six months since images of the five shortlisted proposals for the New Museum of Architecture and Design were revealed, selected from a whopping 623 entries. Just as the December 2024 announcement included a round of public input, this week's unveiling of developed designs is accompanied by a final round of public feedback: Visit the City of Helsinki website by July 31 to comment on the proposals City, Sky and Sea; Kumma; Moby; Tau; and Tyrsky. A few images and brief details on each of the five finalists are below.

“Due to its curved walls and roof, the new building gives a tent-like impression. The facades of the building consist of cast panels made from recycled glass. The museum has been designed with a large staircase in the central lobby and exhibition spaces around it following the curved forms of the facades. In addition to a translucent glass roof, two terraces have been placed on the roof—one facing the Market Square and the other facing the sea.”

“The new museum building has been designed to be compact and low in height, preserving views from Tähtitorninvuori Park towards the Market Square and Katajanokka. The proposal’s slanted, stepped walls, and the triangular forms of the facade continue into the interior and the main stairs. The exhibition floor overlooks the sea from a large terrace, which continues as a wrap-around outdoor gallery and balcony.”

“The new building is designed with a wedge-shaped footprint, leaving space on the side for views from the waterfront towards Tähtitorninvuori Park. The interior of the building offers large views of the surroundings. The facade of the building is made of recycled light-bricks. On the roof is a large terrace with a view of the sea.”

“The rectangular building is low in its height and the large glass facades connect the interior of the museum to the building's surroundings. The building materials are glass, granite and different wood materials such as birch and pine. There is a large terrace on the roof.”

“The building, with its curved roof and zinc-sheet cladding consists of rectangular volumes. In the middle of the building, there is a small inner courtyard, which also allows daylight into the centre of the building. The undulating roof draws inspiration from the sea and its rhythms. The proposal uses solid timber for both load-bearing structures and interior surfaces.”