Follow in the footsteps of Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto, deeply rooted in Lakeland Finland, is considered a pioneer of Nordic architecture. However, the Finn was not only a successful architect whose unmistakable style continued to evolve over the years. He is also an icon in terms of design. Jyväskylä is considered the Aalto capital, because by far the most buildings designed by Aalto from the various periods of his work can be found in the city and region. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most interesting Aalto spots in Lakeland Finland.

Alvar Aalto and his connection to Jyväskylä

In 1898, Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto saw the light of day as the firstborn of four siblings. Five years later, the family moved to the city of Jyväskylä, where Aalto attended school. After graduating from high school in 1916, Aalto went to study architecture at Helsinki University of Technology. As soon as he had graduated, he returned to Jyväskylä and opened his first architectural office in the basement of a hotel. The beautiful wooden building in the centre of Jyväskylä is nowadays known as Nikolainkulma and you can find a popular café there.

Even later, when he worked in other places, the “father of modernism” always returned to his roots and spent a lot of time in the Jyväskylä Region. His Experimental House in Muuratsalo became Aalto’s personal hideaway and a source of creativity. So Lakeland Finland, with its tranquility and nature, certainly provided inspiration for Aalto’s works. Today, the inhabitants of Jyväskylä and the surrounding area live surrounded by Aalto architecture, which is a part of everyday life and regional cultural identity.

Pioneer in architecture and design

Alvar Aalto’s complete works are impressive in their complexity. For example, he designed the Finnish pavilions at the 1936 World’s Fairs in Paris and 1938 in New York, the world-famous Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, or the Aalto-Theater in Essen, to give just one example of his international output.

On the other hand, he achieved world fame in the field of furniture and interior design, for example with his iconic Artek Stool 60 or the legendary Aalto Vase. His two wives, Aino and Elissa, played an important role in all his work, and their influence was probably greater than many people realize to this day.

1. Aalto2 Museum Centre

The Aalto2 Museum Centre, opened in May 2023, houses both the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland under one roof. You can immerse yourself in the history of the region and learn a lot of interesting facts about the world-famous architect and his career.

2. Säynätsalo Town Hall

Less than 16 kilometers south of downtown Jyväskylä, in the middle of the beautiful Lakeland Finland, you can discover one of the most important works of Aalto architecture, the Säynätsalo Town Hall. Built between 1949 and 1952, the building is characterized by its winding design and organic forms. Aalto admirers from all over the world make pilgrimages here. If you want, you can even spend the night in Säynätsalo Town Hall.

3. Boat Nemo Propheta In Patria

In 1954-1955, the boat Nemo Propheta In Patria (“No one is a prophet in his own country”), designed by Alvar Aalto, was made, which Alvar and Elissa Aalto used to travel to their Experimental House in Muuratsalo. Today you can admire the boat in a specially designed boat shelter in Lutakko harbor in Jyväskylä. It stands right next to the Sataman Viilu design sauna and is within easy walking distance.

4. Jyväskylä workers’ club

The Jyväskylä workers’ association building is considered to be the first significant public building designed by Alvar Aalto. You can find it in the middle of downtown Jyväskylä, where it was built as early as 1924 and 1925. The classicist influences are clearly visible here, for example in the form of Tuscan columns – elements that disappeared completely in later works. If you want to take a tour of the inside of the building, this is only possible by prior appointment and you will have to pay a fee.

5. Seminar Hill

A prime example of Aalto architecture is Seminar Hill, where University of Jyväskylä is situated. The campus unmistakably bears the signature of its creator, whether you stroll around the outside of the grounds or take a look inside the buildings. It was here that Alvar Aalto implemented his ideas of a modern and people-friendly learning environment in 1952 and 1954. In addition to Aalto’s work, there are both older and newer buildings in the area, and together they form a stunning and charming ensemble.

6. Jyväskylä City Theatre

The architect set himself a monument in the center of Jyväskylä with another landmark. Part of the central district he designed, the Jyväskylä City Theatre has been inviting locals and visitors to enjoy performances in the Aalto-typical ambience since its completion in 1982.

7. Muuratsalo Experimental House

Between 1952 and 1954, the so-called Experimental House was built on the island of Muuratsalo, just five kilometers from the Säynätsalo Town Hall. It was used extensively as a summer home by Alvar and Elissa Aalto. Surrounded by the nature of Lakeland Finland it was not only a place to relax, but here Aalto actually experimented with a wide variety of materials and elements. You can only visit the Experimental House on a guided tour.

8. Muurame Church

Muurame Church, completed in 1929 and located 16 kilometers south of Jyväskylä, is the only one of Aalto’s various church plans from the 1920s that was actually realised. The church is exceptional because its construction shows Aalto’s evolution from classicism to functionalism.

The Iittala Glass Factory and the Iittala Design Museum

The Aalto vase, designed by Alvar Aalto, with its characteristic organic shape, is the best-known glass product from Finland in the world. It is still handmade by glassblowers at the Iittala Glass Factory near Hämeenlinna. Take a guided tour of the factory or visit the Iittala Glass Museum to learn more about the history of glass production.

Ristinkirkko – the Church of the Cross in Lahti

Completed in 1979, the Church of the Cross is one of Alvar Aalto’s great architectural works. Situated on a hill with it’s distinctive tower, it is one of the most impressive buildings in the city of Lahti in Lakeland Finland. The church, which seats 1150 inside, is part of an axis with the City Hall, designed by Eliel Saarinen, at the other end.