Museum 2030
The Architecture & Design Museum is on its way to a new era. A new museum building is planned for Helsinki’s South Harbour, in the heart of the capital’s historic waterfront. Finland is set to open a new world-class museum showcasing the heritage of Finnish architecture and design – from Aalto to Angry Birds, Art Nouveau to hockey jerseys, Nokia to nanocellulose, Saarinen to Suuronen, Vuokko to Vaarni, and from maternity packages to smart clothing – brought to life in an engaging, experiential way. The museum will also host leading international exhibitions and immersive experiences, welcoming locals and visitors alike.
Design Competition
Design Competition
Launched in April 2024, the international design competition for the new Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki culminated in the announcement of the results on September 11, 2025. The Finnish architectural practice JKMM Architects, renowned for its museum architecture, won the competition with its proposal “Kumma.” All entries were evaluated anonymously. In the first stage, 624 proposals were submitted by architectural teams from around the world.
Background
Background
The project to establish a new museum responds to a longstanding need for purpose-built facilities for two national institutions: the Museum of Finnish Architecture (founded in 1956) and the Design Museum Helsinki (founded in 1873). In spring 2021, the State of Finland and the City of Helsinki, in collaboration with the museums, launched the project to establish a new national museum of architecture and design.
From the outset, the aim has been to create a new world-class museum of architecture and design in Finland. In January 2024, a key milestone was reached when the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum Helsinki completed a merger, forming the Architecture & Design Museum.
Redesigning the World
Redesigning the World
The Architecture & Design Museum will be a human-scale museum that welcomes all. The realms of architecture and design will unfold through experimentation, observation, and engagement. It will reimagine the story of Finnish architecture and design for a new generation, celebrating the nation’s creative heritage and charting more sustainable futures.
As Finland’s national museum for architecture and design, it will brim with stories and provide experiences, knowledge, and inspiration for all – from everyday explorers to design professionals. The project roadmap is detailed in the implementation plan, published in January 2024.
Project News
Fundraising
The new museum is a cultural project of national significance – unprecedented in scope – that will strengthen the global appeal of Finland and Helsinki as leaders in architecture and design. It will raise Finland’s international profile and enliven Helsinki’s historic waterfront.
This unique undertaking is made possible by the State of Finland and the City of Helsinki, together with private donors and partners.
Join us in creating the new museum!
The Fundraising Advisory Group
To ensure the successful realization of the ambitious new museum project, a Fundraising Advisory Group has been established. The group’s role is to identify collaboration opportunities and promote dialogue with potential partners and funders. Its work supports both fundraising efforts and the development of a broad partnership ecosystem. Members of the group have been invited by the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design.
The following experts have been appointed to the group:
Kirsi Komi (Chair), Professional Board Member
Nathalie Ahlström, Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group
Tuomas Aho, Attorney-at-Law, Partner, Roihu Attorneys Ltd
Christina Dahlblom, Assistant Vice Rector, Professor of Practice and Entrepreneur, Hanken School of Economics
Jussi Herlin, Vice Chair of the Board, KONE Corporation
Sanna-Mari Jäntti, Head of New Markets, Miltton Group
Petteri Karttunen, Chair of the Board, Saastamoinen Foundation
Laura Tarkka, COO Finland, Germany and Poland, Scandic Hotels Group AB
Ari Tolppanen, Chairman of the Board, Aurora Studios Oy
Get in touch
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Kaarina Gould
CEO
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Anu Kauppi
Director of Development
Ministry of Education and Culture, City of Helsinki, Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Svenska kulturfonden, Saastamoinen Foundation, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation