Architecture and design museum competition entries are available in an online gallery

The first phase of the architectural competition for Finland's New Museum of Architecture and Design closed on 29 August. The submitted entries were published on 12 September in an online gallery, and the Helsinki Design Week programme featured presentations and debates that shed light on the different aspirations for the future museum.

The first phase of the competition called for proposals that met the basic functional and financial criteria. The jury will select 3-5 entries to continue in the second phase, and the teams will further develop their designs to meet the needs of the museum's different user groups. The finalists, to be announced in December 2024, will receive EUR 50,000, with additional prizes of EUR 50,000, EUR 35,000 and EUR 25,000 for first, second and third place.

"The jury is impressed by the well thought-out and innovative interpretations of the participating teams on how the new museum can best serve our audiences," said Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design and jury member.

Mayor of Helsinki Juhana Vartiainen recognises the project's potential to strengthen the appeal and ambition of Helsinki as a design and architecture destination.

"We are overwhelmed by the quality of the responses to the competition," said Mayor Vartiainen.

Minister of Science and Culture Sari Multala highlighted the cultural significance of the museum project.

"Our new Museum of Architecture and Design is a landmark project celebrating Finland's rich legacy in design and architecture. This competition is an important step in creating a space that honours this strong cultural heritage, which is treasured by our people and admired worldwide. The Finnish government is deeply committed to supporting this project, recognising its significance in inspiring future generations," said Minister Multala.

The design competition is organised by Real Estate Company ADM, owned by the City of Helsinki and the Finnish State, and the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the Finnish Association of Architects and the City of Helsinki. Haahtela Development and the museum's international strategic partner, DVDL, have participated in the competition preparation.

The results of the competition will be announced in September 2025, and the new museum building is scheduled to open in 2030. The competition jury comprises thirteen national and international experts in architecture, design, sustainable construction, museums and urban planning.

This week, the museum organisation launched a search for a Director. The new director is due to start in autumn 2025. Maija Tanninen-Mattila, who has formerly served as director of several art museums, was appointed interim director. At the end of August, Erkki Izarra, an expert in strategic communications, marketing and brand development, took up the position of Communications and Marketing Director.

Competition jury

Mikko Aho, Chair, Architect, Vice Chair of Real Estate Company ADM
Juha Lemström, Vice Chair, Architect, Chair of Real Estate Company ADM
Gus Casely-Hayford, Director, V&A East
Beatrice Galilee, Architect, Executive Director, The World Around
Kaarina Gould, CEO, Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design
Salla Hoppu, Architect, Leading Architect, City of Helsinki
Beate Hølmebakk, Architect, Professor, Partner, Manthey Kula Architects
Riitta Kaivosoja, Director General, Ministry of Education and Culture, Department for Art and Cultural Policy
Matti Kuittinen, Architect, Associate Professor, Aalto University
Sari Nieminen, Architect, Entrepreneur
Miklu Silvanto, Designer, Entrepreneur, Member of AD Museum Board
Anni Sinnemäki, Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment, City of Helsinki
Hannu Tikka, Architect, Professor, APRT Architects