MY BEST HELSINKI Architecture

Across the street stands the "old guard": The National Museum, built in the National Romantic style.

The Finlandia House, behind the trees, is in a
parklike setting, between Mannerheimintie -street,
a small park and the Töölö Bay. This droplet shaped
pond is part of an art installation.
This whole area is very popular with joggers, especially
the ones that live in Töölö.

ART NOUVEAU (“Jugend”) architecture originated in
the 1880s and blossomed in Helsinki. Largely inspired
by the national epic "Kalevala" the style took a local
form called National Romanticism. The National
Museum (Kansallismuseo), designed by architects
Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren & Eliel Saarinen,
is a good example of National Romanticism.

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HELSINKI MUSIC HELSINKI CLUBS & BARS HELSINKI SIGHTS & DESTINATIONS HELSINKI HOTELS, TRANSIT & TRAVEL SERVICES FINNISH WORDS

MY BEST HELSINKI - PHOTOS 5 - Images from Suomenlinna Fortress Island ACROSS THE POND: My Best New York NY


HELSINKI HAS BEEN NAMED THE WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2012.


	For a small and relatively ”young” city, Helsinki sure has managed to gather many different styles of architecture within its center. Neo- Classical (Empire style), Neo-Renaissance; everything from Art Nouveau (“Jugend”), which morphed into National Romanticism (National Romantic Style) to Nordic Classicism, Functionalism to Modernism. There is even a stunning example of the Russian-Byzantine style, and a magnificent Neo-Gothic style stone church. Brief history of Helsinki.
	Helsinki looked more like a village until the end of the 18th century and its buildings were mostly built of wood. The City suffered several devastating fires in the 17th and 18th centuries and the 1808 fire destroyed a third of Helsinki. Helsinki became the capital of the Finnish Grand Duchy in 1812. A large ebuilding plan was created. In a couple of decades a new Neo-Classical (Empire style) center was erected in the place of the old wooden buildings. - Fastfoward to year 2009 and you will see a city that is one of the fastest changing cities in Europe.





HELSINKI'S NEO-CLASSICAL OLD CENTER. IF YOU CLICK ON THE PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE, MOST OF THEM POP UP TO A LARGER VIEW.

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BELOW, A FEW DIFFERENT ARCHITECTURAL STYLES IN SOME OF THE OLDER NEIGHBORHOODS IN HELSINKI:

Kruununhaka (Senate Square, Market Square), Töölö Bay, Katajanokka, Kaartinkaupunki, Kaartinkaupunki 2, Kluuvi, Kamppi, Töölö. interesting links.

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	KRUUNUNHAKA NEIGHBORHOOD:			BACK

	THE SENATE SQUARE AREA - THE OLD "EMPIRE CENTER" OF HELSINKI:

NEO-CLASSICAL (EMPIRE STYLE) ARCHITECTURE is well represented in the center of Helsinki, especially in the Senate Square, below, with its three dominant
buildings, all designed by Carl Ludwig Engel. From left to right: 1) The Helsinki University main building, 2) the Lutheran Dome, and 3) the Government Palace
(Valtioneuvoston Linna). A fantastic link to the arhcheological history of the Government Palace.

Helsinki's Senate Square. Photo & pop-up photo © R.C. Candolin-Gelber 1999, 2000-2008, 2009 -

The statue of Emperor Alexander II stands in the center of the square. It was erected in 1894 to commemorate his re-establishing the Diet of Finland (the legislative assembly
of the Grand Duchy of Finland from 1809 to 1906; in Finnish "Maapäivät", now "Valtiopäivät".) in 1863, and establishing many reforms increasing Finland's autonomy from Russia.

Engel also redesigned the 18th century central government buildings, located on the

The City Hall, one block south, on Pohjoisesplanadi,

south side of the Senate Square, to better fit in with the general design of the square.

Buildings along Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki. Photo & pop-up photo © R.C. Candolin-Gelber 1999, 2000-2008, 2009 -

photo & pop-up photo / image © RCC Gelber 2008
CLICK on photo for information about the different buildings surrounding the square.

Helsinki Market Square, City Hall, Dome. Photo & pop-up photo © R.C. Candolin-Gelber 1999, 2000-2008, 2009 -


Information about The Government Palace. In Finnish = Valtioneuvoston Linna (Literal translation: the Palace of the Council of State).		An interesting 1865 photo of the Senate Square area, with the Dome.

The National Library of Finland		City Hall block
Second link

Helsinki City: View from the Cathedral tower in 1860. Same Cathedral tower panorama view today.

was also designed by Engel. Built in 1833. second link


Below: View from Sofia Street toward Helsinki's Senate Square,
		with the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral as its center piece. Click on photo for larger view.

	THE MARKET SQUARE AREA:				BACK
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		Close to the Senate and Market Squares you can see the Russian-Byzantine style Uspenski Cathedral, designed by Aleksander M. Gornostajev and built in 1868. It is the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Europe. second link
	Havis Amanda, is a popular meeting spot, among other things. The tourist office is located in the Neo-Classical building behind the statue, right under the clock..

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR A HUGE VIEW WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE AREA & BUILDINGS:

Below right: The Presidential Palace

Helsinki Pohjoisesplanadi buildings. Presidential palace far right. Photo © R.C. Candolin-Gelber 1999, 2000-2008, 2009 -

Pink Building left:
Pohjoisesplanadi 9
Architect: Pehr
Granstedt. Built in
1815 Block:
Elefantti (Elephant)

Swedish Embassy,
Built in 1839
Architect:
A.F. Granstedt

Pohjoisesplanadi 5
Architect:
Pehr Granstedt
Built in 1817

Helenankatu 1 -
Pohjoisesplanadi 3.
Block: Leopardi
(Leopard, Panther)

Presidential Palace
Pohjoisesplanadi 1 -
Mariankatu 2.
Architect: Carl Ludvig Engel
Built in 1843
Block: Leopardi

House of the Estates Säätytalo in Finnish.

Panoramic view of the Presidential Palace area.

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TÖÖLÖ BAY, LINNUNLAULU NEIGHBORHOOD:

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Despite the “modernization” of the center and the new Empire style city plan, outside the very center houses were still built out of wood.

Old Linnunlauluntie Villas overlooking Töölö bay. Photo & pop-up photo © R.C. Candolin-Gelber 1999, 2000-2008, 2009 -

The old wooden villas, Villa Kivi and the Blue Villa, overlooking Töölö Bay.

The Linnunlaulu (“Birdsong”, “Fågelsång”) Villa Area lies on the eastern side of Töölönlahti Bay, technically in Kallio Borough. The ornate villas were built
mostly between the 1870s and the 1880s. Villa Kivi was designed by architect Selim Lindqvist in 1890. It has been renovated into a home for writers.
The café in the Blue Villa has a great view over Töölönlahti Bay.

	A VIEW OF THE CENTER OF HELSINKI THAT FOREIGN VISITORS RARELY GET TO SEE. Villa Kivi on left, overlooking the bay and Töölö & the Center:

	Helsinki’s center is quite beautiful and Helsinki is adamant on maintaining its low (literally) profile. This is Töölö Bay, looking toward the center. Behind the fountain, you can see the tower of the National Museum (Kansallismuseo). Immediately to the left of the fountain, is Finlandia House. Designed by Alvar Aalto. A bit more to the left, you might be able to make out the rounded roof of Kiasma, the museum of contemporary art. Next left is the Sanomatalo building.


	ART NOUVEAU (“Jugend”) ARCHITECTURE originated in the 1880s and blossomed in Helsinki. Largely inspired by the national epic "Kalevala" it took a local form called national romanticism. A good example of this style is the National Museum (Kansallismuseo), that was designed by architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren & Eliel Saarinen. Another example of Art Nouveau (“Jugend”) architecture (a later form of this style), is the Helsinki railway station, designed by Eliel Saarinen.


	KATAJANOKKA NEIGHBORHOOD:		BACK



Katajanokka hosts many gorgeous JUGEND (Art Nouveau) buildings:		..and also an impressive Russian-Byzantine style cathedral:
- The green building on the right, called "Aeolus" stands on the corner of Satamakatu and	This building, "Norma", was built in 1904 and designed by architects	Uspenski Cathedral, designed by A. M. Gornostajev, built in 1868. It is the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Europe.
Kruunuvuorenkatu. It was built in 1903, the architect was Selim A. Lindqvist. This block is called "Kastanja".	von Essen, Kallio & Ikäläinen. This block is called "Leppä".	The building of Uspenski Cathedral.
- The brown building, "Tallberg", in the center is on the corner of Satamakatu & Luotsikatu. Built in 1898, and designed by architects: Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren & Eliel Saarinen. This block is called "Lehtikuusi".	Location: The corner of Luotsikatu & Katajanokankatu.	Link to Museum of Finnish Architecture's great Art Nouveau photo pages.

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The "Kappeli" building was built in 1867. It was designed by architects Konstantin Kiseleff, Elia Heikel & Axel Hampus Dahlström. Address: Eteläesplanadi 1. This block is called -surprise- "Esplanadin puisto" (Esplanade Park). Let's turn around and walk deeper into:


	KAARTINKAUPUNKI NEIGHBORHOOD:		BACK
	A mixture of Art Nouveau, Neo-Classicism & Neo-Reneissance...


	Click on photo for a larger view:

	Kasarmintori is surrounded by buildings that were designed by some of the greatest architects in Helsinki: C.L. Engel, Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren, Eliel Saarinen, Waldemar Aspelin, G.W. Nyberg & Löppönen.
	Kasarmintori vicinity:
	-Yellow building to left: architect C.L.Engel. Built: 1822 Eteläinen Makasiinikatu 8. Block: Kaartin kasarmi.		The RIKHARDINKATU LIBRARY. Built in 1881, it was the first building that was designed specifically to be a library. The library was designed by architect Carl Theodor Höijer, who's Neo-Renaissance buildings are still an integral part of Helsinki's city image. In the 1920's, with the help of architect Runar Eklund, another floor a new stairwell were added. Along the years more changes were made and the building lost a large part of its original image. See photos and information about this library. Another link w some old photos of the library

	-Light colored building, right: architect Selim A. Lindqvist. Built: 1909, Building name:"Sähkölaitos" Kasarmikatu 30-32, block: Sampi



	Building name: "Puhelinlaitos" Korkeavuorenkatu 35. Architect: Lars Sonck. Built: 1905. Block name: Sampi		Green building name: "Kastén". Korkeavuorenkatu 31-33. Architect: Emil Svensson, Emil Holm. Built: 1907 Block: Sampi


	"Firehouse", at Korkeavuorenkatu 26. Architect: Theodor Höijer. Built in 1891. Block: Miekkakala (swordfish).		The grey building, "Neodomus", second from right, at Korkeavuorenkatu 29, was built in: 1907. Architect: Gunnar Stenius. Block name: Sampi.

	This building is basically across the street from the grey Neo-Romantic stone castle; "Puhelinlaitos", shown above.		The building on far right, on the corner of Korkeavuorenkatu & Pieni Roobertinkatu (at Pieni Roobertinkatu 5), was built in 1906. Architect not known. "Spennertin talo" (Spennert building) Erottajankatu 1-3 / Pieni Roobertinkatu 13. Architect: August Nordberg Built in 189. Block: Miekkakala (Swordfish)

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TÖÖLÖ NEIGHBORHOOD:

	A small part of Töölö neighborhood.
Finlandia House. Architect Alvar Aalto.	Early morning by Töölö Bay: fountain & Finlandia house.	Large building at left: The Parliament building (1931),

		designed by architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén. Finlandia House in front, and the tower of the National Museum rises behind it. (see information below.)

		Click on photo for larger view with text.
	Functionalism in architecture (and art), was developed in the early 1900’s. It is associated with the modernist movement that originated in the second quarter of the 1900’s. Good examples of Functionalism in Helsinki, are the Helsinki Olympic Stadium (1952 Olympics) and Lasipalatsi (the “Glass Palace”) on Mannerheimintie, one block up from the Railway Station.. Famous examples of early modernism in Helsinki are the Finlandia House (architect: Alvar Aalto) and the ”Rock Church” (Temppeliaukion kirkko), (architects: Timo & Tuomo Suomalainen). Great second link. Alvar Aalto Foundation Academic Bookshop, designed by Aalto
		The White Finlandia House, located between Töölö Bay & Mannerheimintie.


HELSINKI OPERA HOUSE by Töölö Bay.	FINLANDIA HOUSE, different angles	Reflection on the	wall of the Finlandia house.
Architects: Eero Hyvämäki, Jukka Karhunen & Risto Parkkinen. Built in 1993


	KLUUVI NEIGHBORHOOD:			BACK

	KIASMA,the Museum for contemporary art, at right, is one of the recent modernist creations in Helsinki. Also, the glass structure of “Sanomatalo”- house (at left) and the “High Tech Center” in Ruoholahti (not pictured here), are new modernist additions to Helsinki’s architectural landscape. Center: Helsinki's main post office building.
		Kluuvi, as seen from Töölö Bay. Click on photo for a larger view.
	Kiasma was designed by the American architect Stpehen Holl. Built: 1996-. Sanomatalo was designed by architect Antti-Matti Siikala. Built:1999. Sanomatalo is a business building that also houses exhibition spaces, some stores and a restaurant & café which is a popular meeting spot. Several news magazines have their offices in the building.


	KLUUVI NEIGHBORHOOD, continued: The Helsinki Railway Station and it's surroundings:

	A later form of Art Nouveau (“Jugend”) architecture: Helsinki Railway Station, designed by Eliel Saarinen. and built 1914. Located at Kaivokatu 1, in Kluuvi neighborhood. This block is called -surpirse!- "Rautatieasema" (Railway Station )

Looking East, toward Kaisaniemi neighborhood from the Railway Station:
	Building on right: Ateneum Art Museum.	Ateneum and the Helsinki WTC



The Helsinki Government Palace, peeking out between the Helsinki Cathedral pillars.	Helsinki railway station plattform with its new glass & metal cover structure.	The National Theater building, as seen from the side entry steps to the Helsinki Railway Station.	View over Helsinki center toward North Harbor and Uspenski Cathedral. Stockmann in foreground.

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	KLUUVI NEIGHBORHOOD, continued: Mannerheimintie - Mannerheim Street

The very center, on Mannerheimintie: Far left you can sort of see the tower of the National Museum (Kansallismuseo). Back to KAARTINKAUPUNKI NEIGHBORHOOD:

The Old Student House (low yellow building) was designed by architect Axel Hampus Dahlström and built	Stockmann - the Argos building was built in 1897 & designed by architects: Grahn, Hedman & Wasastjerna,	The Swedish Theater was built in 1866 & designed by architects: Jarl Eklund, Nikolai Leontievitj
in 1870. The New Student House (w. green cupola) was designed by architects Armas Lindgren & Wivi Lönn, and built in 1910. Far right, corner of Stockmann. Dark building w. flags: Sokos & Vaakuna Hotel. The block is named "Soopeli" and we are in Kluuvi neighborhood.	John Settergren. We are still in Kluuvi neighborhood and this block is called "Gaselli"	Benois, Eero Saarinen. We have crossed over to Kaartinkaupunki neighborhood. This block is called -you guessed it- "The Swedish Theater".


		This is the corner of Eteläesplanadi & Erottajankatu. It is also the beginning of Mannerheimintie (Mannerheim Street), which begins by the traffic light. This colorful corner building was designed by architect: Theodor Höijer and it was built in 1892. The block is called "Hauki" (Pike). and the neighborhood is "Kaartinkaupunki".

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KAMPPI NEIGHBORHOOD:

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The Old Church Park, framed by buildings on Lönnrotinkatu, Yrjönkatu & Bulevardi streets. CLICK on PHOTO. Below, the architects that designed these buildings:

Helsinki's Old Church Park & buildings surrounding it. Photo & pop-up photo © R.C. Candolin-Gelber 1999, 2000-2008, 2009 -

	Carl Ludwig Engel (Old Church), Armas Lindgren, Flor Granholm, Unknown (at least to us), Sigurd Forsterus, Theodor Granstedt & Sebastian Gripenberg.
	The pretty building that belongs between the two photos, can be seen in the center photo below (far right in photo): it was designed by architect Waldemar Aspelin.


		Again, Helsinki's KAARTINKAUPUNKI NEIGHBORHOOD, bordering the South Harbor. The 1st building on the left was built in 1887; architect Sebastian Gripenberg. 2nd building was built in 1897, architect: Waldemar Aspelin. 3rd building: built in 1904, Architect: Mauritz Gripenberg. These are all located on Eteläranta -street. Block: "Lahna".

		At the end of Eteläranta, right ahead, you have three landmarks: The yellow-red Vanha Kauppahalli (Old Market Hall),built in 1889, architect: Gustaf Nyström; The City Hall (Kaupungintalo), built in 1833, architect: Carl Ludvig Engel & and the Lutheran Cathedral (The Dome), built: 1849, architect: Carl Ludwig Engel.
		Down the street, next to the Old Market Hall: Palace Hotel. Eteläranta 10 / Makasiinikatu 1. Built: 1952, architect: Viljo Revell. Block: Makasiinit. Kaartinkaupunki neighborhood.

		Far left, in KATAJANOKKA NEIGHBORHOOD, the Uspenski Cathedral, built 1868, architect: Aleksei M. Gornostajev. The white building in front of the Cathedral is the "Enso house", built in 1962, architect: Alvar Aalto.

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	Old gives way to the new... even in quaint Helsinki. These are the ruins of the old, historic Makasiini-buildings. They were protected, they burned down...

	From right: Corner of Sanomatalo. A "triplet" of a modern office & hotel building. Tier of the Dome. Cupola of the historic Railway Station. Ruins of Makasiinit.



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Wow! A STUNNING LINK (by Helsingin Sanomat) to a 360 panoramic view of
the center of Helsinki. Click on the red circles on the photos to get info and
history and click on the arrows to change the view. Sorry, in Finnish only,
but you will get the place names and the architects at least.

ARCHITECTURAL ATTRACTIONS in HELSINKI	MUSEUM of CULTURES HELSINKI	ASK THE MUSEUM - interesting questions about Helsinki

ART in HELSINKI LINK	Side by side "THEN & NOW" PHOTOS of Helsinki	Famous Finnish Architects (and some foreign ones, too)

ANOTHER FABULOUS LINK that allows you to see the center of Helsinki building by building, with good information.	In Finnish only: Historic articles about some Helsinki blocks.	Virtual reality link to historic Helsinki. SAFA: Finnish Association of Architects.


TOP	JUST LIKE SOME PARTS OF HELSINKI TODAY, THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT & NOT A FINISHED PRODUCT. If you have suggestions or questions, we would love to receive your e-mail. We hope you enjoy My Best Helsinki. Thank you.	TOP

MORE MY BEST HELSINKI: HOME RESTAURANTS 1 RESTAURANTS 2 RESTAURANTS 3 PHOTOS 1 PHOTOS 2 PHOTOS 3 PHOTOS 4 HELSINKI ARCHITECTURE

HELSINKI MUSIC HELSINKI CLUBS & BARS HELSINKI SIGHTS & DESTINATIONS HELSINKI HOTELS, TRANSIT & TRAVEL SERVICES FINNISH PHRASES

MY BEST HELSINKI - PHOTOS 5 - Images from Suomenlinna Fortress Island ACROSS THE POND: My Best New York NY


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