Uusimaa City serves as a key cultural, commercial, and political centre of southern Finland’s Uusimaa Province and ranks among one of the world’s liveable cities.
Culture plays an essential part in Helsinki, drawing visitors, engaging residents in community involvement efforts, helping reduce segregation and strengthening citizen ties to their city. Culture also provides an avenue to address ethical challenges or debate surrounding issues within Helsinki’s borders.
Helsinki’s Modernism
As Finland’s major cities expanded during the 1920s, apartment blocks, commercial buildings and city support services were constructed in this style of classicism. With its simple forms that respond well to urban design considerations and its flexible use in architecture; examples include Taucher (with help from Blomstedt), Toolo Church in Helsinki (1930) and an early version of Alvar Aalto’s Vyborg Library built between 1927-1935 – these stand out among others as testament to this approach.
Aalto’s visionary cultural project – Finlandia Hall from 1971 – featured white Carrara marble that featured organic curves and light as part of its signature aesthetic, making this iconic event space. It remains an acclaimed event space today.
Notable works by Aulis Blomstedt and Marta Blomstedt with Viljo Revell include the Kannonkoski Church designed in 1933 and Kotka Savings Bank designed by Revell and Matti Lampen in Rovaniemi (1935). Revell also designed Tapiola Garden City master plan from 1934 by architect Aarne Ervi which embraces modernist ideas regarding integration of landscape, buildings and nature – as well as Myllytie 3 apartment complex designed by him in Helsinki in 1961.
The 1950s was an essential decade in Finnish architecture due to rapid urbanization in Finland. From 1950-1970 alone, over one million new dwellings were constructed; new suburban areas featured minimalist-functionalist designs featuring schools, healthcare services and civic facilities (such as Esa Ruskeepaa’s Opinmaki School and Multipurpose Centre in Helsinki).
Heikkinen-Kommonen Architects’ University Library at Helsinki University (2005) and Nokia Headquarters in Espoo (1983-1997, later replaced) stand in stark contrast, both featuring uncompromisingly modern architecture that emphasizes pure forms and space exploration.
Helsinki boasts a selection of art museums ranging from the Ateneum to Huuto; additionally there are several upscale galleries and showrooms dedicated to emerging artists, like Helsinki Contemporary Gallery and Rankka Gallery which host exciting exhibitions by local talent.
Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna’s impressive six-kilometer fortress walls are studded with more than one hundred cannons, making it one of the most impressive historic landmarks in Finland and worthy of being recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 1991.
An exploration of Helsinki’s past, Suomenlinna Fortress offers an invaluable journey. Within its imposing defensive structures are charming residential buildings, cafes and restaurants; museums and galleries; parks playgrounds theatres etc; but perhaps the most remarkable aspect is its underground tunnels – these truly fascinating structures allowed military units to evade Russian soldiers during World War Two!
Visit Suomenlinna and you’ll discover a number of historical anecdotes and ghost tales, like how Legend says the Kustaanmiekka area looks like a fairytale world and is haunted by ghosts; indeed when I was there myself the clouds and mist made this seem even more convincing!
Suomenlinna once formed an essential component of Helsinki’s defence system. Serving as both military base, naval academy and air force unit – after Finland gained independence it was renamed and opened up to civilian residents, creating an island culture which is an eclectic blend of military and civilian traditions.
Suomenlinna has become an extremely popular day trip for visitors to Helsinki. A short ferry ride from Market Square takes visitors there for an immersive history experience while offering stunning gardens and seaside views.
Some private buildings remain on land leased from Suomenlinna’s fortress governing body, including two owned by Seija Linnanmaki and Markku Kallio who live in one while renovating another – becoming champions of Suomenlinna’s stories as they share them with tourists; additionally they’re avid ballroom dancers with many trophies from competitions decorating their home!
The Esplanade
Locals fondly refer to Esplanade Park (Espa), and on warm summer days it becomes alive with people sitting and strolling. Easy to reach via foot or bicycle, its central role as an interlink between Helsinki’s city centre, market square (Kauppatori) and sea is why many consider it essential in its structure. Designed by Carl Ludwig Engel and first opened for use in 1818; today the park houses the sculpture commemorating Finnish national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1759-1886), designed by his son Walter.
The northern section of the Esplanade is dominated by Pohjois-Esplanadi Street (North Esplanadi) and Pohjoisesplanadin Toni – originally built as a theatre building in 1827, later transformed into a cafe. On its western end is Swedish Theatre which forms a grand curtain to close off this luxurious area surrounded by elegant shops.
Gustaf Emil Boberg created a neoclassical statue of Oscar I of Sweden-Norway (1859-1912), the founder of Finland and first King Oscar I, situated within a grove of trees with two fountains bearing sculpture by Viktor Jansson (1886-1958). On its eastern side is Kappeli cafe and then Espa Stage, hosting Finland’s longest summer music festival from May to August.
At the southern end of the Esplanade are four historic kiosks: decorative wooden kiosks from 1893 and 1909 as well as functionalist ones designed by City Architect Gunnar Taucher in 1928. At present there are also four benches inspired by historic models on this part of Esplanade.
In 1999, Helsinki introduced their inaugural Model City-WC at Theatre Esplanade. Comprised of both pay and free pissoir sections that are cleaned daily respectively, this structure stands as an exemplar of how cities have worked towards creating public toilets that combine good design with functionality; additionally it caters for wheelchair users and people living with disabilities.
The Churches
One of the main attractions in Helsinki is its cathedral, an outstanding and magnificent structure both inside and out. Built into a rock formation, its size makes it striking from all sides – the rough stone walls further enhance its acoustics making this cathedral one of the premier concert venues.
Interior of this monastery is relatively plain, yet this doesn’t diminish its overall beauty. Carved arches and columns abound while there is great detail on ceilings – splashes of colour add vibrancy but most decorations feature gold and white hues.
Attractively decorated icons and paintings adorn this serene oasis, which makes a lovely stopover when relaxing or viewing religious festivals such as Holy Week or Easter. Be mindful that opening hours may change during these special times!
Temppeliaukio Church is an extremely intriguing structure. Situated a bit outside of Helsinki city center and easily reached via tram, its unique rock formation makes this church very striking and unforgettable. I found its peace-inducing ambience to be very pleasant; perhaps its design reminds some people of clandestine Christian oases used during persecutions of earlier years?
Uspenski Church in Western Europe is an exquisite Orthodox building both inside and out, contrasting dramatically with Lutheran cathedral nearby as it lacks decoration. However, Uspenski’s artful paintings adorning its walls are sure to capture your eye! Visit soon and witness its splendor!
This church offers excellent acoustics and is an extremely popular spot for classical concerts. A trip out of the city centre to experience it’s beauty will definitely pay off; be mindful that opening hours may change during concerts!