An international architectural competition for the design of the National Museum’s extension was held in 2019. The dialogue between the new extension and the historic building, with its national-romantic references, creates an expressive, ambitious and compelling architectural whole.
“Uusi Kansallinen” was an open, two-stage architectural competition for the design of an extension to the National Museum. The competition was organised by the Finnish Heritage Agency, the National Museum of Finland and Senate Properties. A total of 184 competition entries were received, and in December 2019 the jury selected JKMM Architects’ ‘Atlas’ as the winner.
The extension to the National Museum is being built in Helsinki alongside the historically valuable Main Building designed by Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen.
A symbol of national values and culture
In its assessment criteria, the jury described the winning Atlas proposal as “grand in its overall approach” and praised its accessibility. “The large curved roof surface, visible in the underground entrance areas, creates a fine atmosphere in the interior and is an excellent solution in terms of orientation. The proposal is functionally very good, natural and impressive. The entrance areas and curved roof surface can be used in exhibition activities so that they also gain thematic visibility from the outside. The spaces are easy to approach and easy to find.”
Elina Anttila, Director General of the National Museum of Finland and a member of the competition jury, is delighted with the competition. “The new building serves as a symbol of our era’s understanding of national values and culture. JKMM’s beautiful work powerfully brings out the renewal and transformative power of culture while also highlighting the unique architecture of the existing building. The structure of the spaces also responds in practical terms to the needs of the museum’s expanding operations.”
JKMM Architects Oy has designed numerous new buildings for culture, science and the arts in Finland, including Helsinki landmarks such as Amos Rex, Tiedekulma and the Dance House. In designing the approximately 4,900-square-metre extension, the team set out to develop the architecture of Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen, the architects of the existing museum building, with its historical references and emphasis on craftsmanship, using the means of expression of contemporary art.
“Our proposal addresses themes that are essential to our architecture: humanity and the character of place, and the sense of community they create. The National Museum belongs to everyone. It contains the ingredients of the common good for everyone in Finland. That is why we wanted to create an extension to the national museum whose architecture is easy for all visitors to understand, while at the same time inviting rich interpretations,” says chief designer and founding partner of JKMM Architects Samuli Miettinen.
A Unique Overall Experience
The expansion of the museum will make it possible to produce large and demanding international exhibitions at the National Museum. In addition to exhibitions, the flexible spaces are suitable for many kinds of cultural, artistic and leisure events, conferences and functions.
The historic building, the extension and the open National Museum Garden, which is in use year-round for urban events and by communities, create a unique overall experience. At the heart of the concept is a perspective on Finnish society, its cultural heritage and development that emphasises cultural diversity. Uusi Kansallinen is a functional and architectural reinterpretation of what the national means to us today.
The aim of the National Museum’s diverse, internationally high-quality programme is to broaden understanding of our culturally complex and rich living environment. Through its activities, the museum strengthens understanding of history and cultural heritage and helps us grasp their impact on our lives and our future.