Walking route: Design District Helsinki

Iconic Savoy vases represent classic Finnish design.
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Design can be found everywhere in Helsinki. Good design can be seen in everyday life, it belongs to everyone, and it improves the way we live. Helsinki has even been designated a UNESCO City of Design, and it is the only city in the world that has an appointed Chief Design Officer. Discover classic creations by Finland’s most famous designers and the intriguing concepts of up-and-coming designers. You can even explore the area by participating in a guided Design Walk.

Route distance approx. 1.5 km

Torikorttelit (The Tori Quarter) in the heart of Helsinki between Senate Square and the Market Square is home to many boutiques specialised in Finnish design. Lapuan Kankurit sells Finnish handicrafts, including kitchen textiles, sauna textiles and other indoor textiles, all made from natural materials. Lumi Accessories sells timeless leather bags and accessories. Lace-collared dresses and unique silver jewellery are some of the signature items at Lumoan, a store with a focus on ethical and ecological thinking.

Papu & Uhana Store is a collaborative retail space located in the heart of Helsinki. Store offers a curated selection of women's and children's clothing and accessories in one convenient and central location next to the Market Square.

The flagship store of Iittala in Esplanadi, is one of the leading Nordic design brands, sells all its main products along with rare specialties and glass art. The Arabia brand been a mainstay in Finnish homes for over 140 years.

Balmuir sells everyday luxury with ethical products whose quality can be both seen and felt. In addition to accessories and home textiles, it also sells premium natural cosmetics and fashion items made from cashmere, Alpaca wool and reindeer leather.

Lapuan Kankurit Store & Studio Helsingissä
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Garden - Center for Finnish Fashion, located in the Kämp Galleria, showcases the best of Finnish fashion for both Helsinki locals and visitors. The brands Arela, R-Collection, Terhi Pölkki, éN Hats, Hálo and Nomen Nescio have opened their own shops in the centre. Garden also hosts the natural cosmetics brand Jolie and My o My

Finnish design brand Marimekko was founded in 1951 and is known above all for its eye-catching patterns and colours. The product assortment includes clothing, bags and accessories, as well as household products from interior textiles to tableware.

At a Marimekko store, two women stand in front of a handbag display that covers the wall whilst browsing Marimekko bags. A long table with a variety of Marimekko purses is in front of them.
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Artek is famous for its furniture created by legendary Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, Artek is one of the most innovative modern design companies and a flagship for Finnish interior design. The pure design language, durability and high quality of Aalto’s products have helped guarantee Artek’s success for over 70 years.
Further information about Alvar Aalto’s home museum and studio
alvaraalto.fi.

Eero Aarnio has had a huge influence on modern furniture design, starting with his futuristic chairs of the 1960s. Design Eero Aarnio Showroom sells his latest products and prototypes.

Johanna Gullichsen designs interior textiles and products, whose timeless patterns, refined colours and high quality add a touch of luxury to everyday life. Her geometrical patterns are perfect for both modern and traditional interiors.

The Design Museum is a must for any fan of design. The museum offers unique design experiences and new perspectives on multifaceted design. On the same block you will find the Museum of Finnish Architecture, where the permanent exhibition presents the country’s architectural heritage from the 20th century.

Designmuseo sijaitsee Kaartinkaupungissa.
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A great way to discover the history of Finnish design is to visit Helsinki’s antique stores. Helsinki Secondhand sells design and vintage furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as ceramics, glass and art. At the same address, Fasaani-Antik sells copper, silver, ceramics and vintage clothing.

Lokal is a concept store and the home of Finnish art, design and handicrafts. It presents new exhibitions each month.

Liike is a showcase for Finnish new wave fashion design, including Dusty, Jaanahaaksiluoto, Laurijarvinenstudio, Lille, Ullac, vainio.seitsonen, With love Sanna Hopiavuori and Tikit.

FRENN is a Helsinki-based contemporary menswear line combining honest Finnish design, relaxed sophistication and Scandinavian simplicity.

Klaus K is a design hotel that combines international design with Finland’s cultural heritage. The interior is inspired by the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, and its themes describe great emotions: mysticism, passion, dreams and envy.

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Design can be found everywhere in Helsinki. Good design can be seen in everyday life, it belongs to everyone, and it improves the way we live.