The era of the Swedish rule: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress interweaves three unique periods – the Swedish, Russian and Finnish – into a fascinating entity. In 1991 Suomenlinna was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Neoclassicism: Senate Square
The architecture in Helsinki is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement. The city centre, especially around Senate Square, forms a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture.
Byzantine-Russian style: Uspenski Cathedral
Even if the Byzantine-Russian architectural tradition is not so significant in Helsinki, it is well represented in the Uspenski Cathedral (1868), the largest orthodox church edifice in Western Europe, while worth a visit.
Neo-Renaissance: Ateneum
The city centre features many buildings that typify a specific style of architecture, such as Gustaf Nyström’s House of the Estates (1890). The Neo-Renaissance work of Theodor Höijer can be admired along the north side of the Esplanade, as well as in the Ateneum Art Museum (1883).
Jugend: National Museum
Art Nouveau or Jugend architecture was interpreted in Finland according to its own form of National Romanticism. Some of the finest examples include Lars Sonck’s Jugendsali Hall (1904) and the National Museum (1910) by famous architect trio Gesellius-Lindgren-Saarinen. Late-Jugend is represented by Eliel Saarinen’s Central Railway Station (1914).
1920s Classicism: Etu-Töölö district
Wooden architecture can be admired in the Käpylä, Puu-Vallila and Etu-Töölö districts. The architecture of the Käpylä district represents 1920s Classicism. The newest example of wooden architecture is Kamppi Chapel (2012). Nordic Classicism of the 1920s is represented by J. S. Siren’s Parliament House (1931).
Functionalism: Lasipalatsi “Glass Palace”
Bold examples of Functionalism include the Olympic Stadium (1938), Metsätalo "Forest House" by the University of Helsinki (1939) and the Lasipalatsi “Glass Palace” (1935).
Modernism: Finlandia Hall
The works of world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto represent Modernism at its finest. These include the Academic Bookstore (1969) and Finlandia Hall (1971/1975). One of the most popular tourist destinations in Helsinki is the Temppeliaukio “Rock” Church (1969), designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen as part of the natural bedrock.
Glass architecture: Sanomatalo
Minimalist glass and steel design is represented by the Sanomatalo (1999) and the High Tech Centre (2001) in Ruoholahti.
Significant buildings of the 21st century: The Main Library of the University of Helsinki
The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, designed by American architect Steven Holl, was completed before the end of the century (1998). One of the significant new buildings of the 21st century is the Helsinki Music Centre that opened next to Finlandia Hall in autumn 2011. The Main Library of the University of Helsinki, the popular Kaisa-talo (2012), was designed by Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit Oy.
New wooden architecture: Kamppi Chapel
More and more contemporary wooden architecture can be seen these days in Helsinki. The stunning Kamppi Chapel was completed already in 2012. In summer 2016 two modern sauna-spa complexes opened in Helsinki, Löyly in Hernesaari and Allas Sea Pool in the Market Square. A new wooden sauna was opened on the island of Lonna in summer 2017. In 2018 the new Helsinki Central Library Oodi was opened by the Töölönlahti bay. The international design competition for “Oodi” was won by the Finnish architectural firm ALA Architects.