Modernist masterpiece set as lodging option: Finlandia Hall apartments now available for stay
In a remarkable revitalization project, the Finlandia Hall apartments, now known as Finlandia Homes, have been meticulously restored to their original modernist elegance and are now open for overnight stays. Completed by Arkkitehdit NRT in January 2025, this renovation offers guests an authentic immersion into Alvar Aalto's architectural philosophy[1][2].
The renovation process was guided by a commitment to sustainability and the use of sustainable architecture practices. The restoration returned the apartments to their former glory, showcasing modernist furniture and artworks that align closely with Aalto's design principles[1][2]. Iconic pieces characteristic of mid-century Finnish modernism have been preserved, creating an environment that not only pleases the eye but also encapsulates the artistic atmosphere of the era.
The apartments serve as a complete artistic experience, blending functional living spaces with carefully curated modernist furnishings and art, a testament to Aalto's holistic approach to architecture and design[1][2]. The restoration also focused on improving natural light flow by refurbishing key architectural elements such as windows, enhancing the apartments’ ambiance to reflect their original intent[3].
Each apartment features items such as Hay's 'Kofi' coffee table, Lundia's 'Classic' display cabinet, &Tradition's 'Flowerpot' lamps, Finarte's 'Palsta' cushions, and the Lucius candleholder designed by Company. The artworks in both residences, named Aino and Elissa after Alvar Aalto's two wives, were sourced from the Helsinki Art Museum. The artworks in the Aino apartment feature blue tones, while the Elissa apartment showcases bolder, red-toned pieces[4][5].
The selection of artworks was done with great care, as discussed by Riitta Kilo from Finlandia Hall in an interview with the Finnish Design Shop team[6]. Missing or replaced elements in the apartments were reconstructed according to Aalto's original designs, ensuring the authenticity of the restoration[7]. The project won a Design Award for its restoration efforts and is part of a larger project to sustainably revitalise an iconic piece of 20th-century architecture[8].
The built-in areas such as wardrobes have also been restored to their original designs, providing guests with a truly immersive experience[9]. The interiors of Finlandia Hall apartments have been thoroughly refreshed to match Aalto's original designs, offering a unique opportunity to experience Finnish modernist heritage firsthand.
[1] Arkkitehdit NRT. (2025). Finlandia Hall Apartments Restoration. Retrieved from https://www.arkkitehditnrt.fi/projects/finlandia-hall-apartments-restoration
[2] Finlandia Hall. (2025). Finlandia Hall Apartments. Retrieved from https://www.finlandiahall.fi/en/finlandia-homes
[3] Finlandia Hall. (2025). Lighting and Daylighting. Retrieved from https://www.finlandiahall.fi/en/lighting-and-daylighting
[4] Finnish Design Shop. (2025). Finlandia Homes: Aino and Elissa. Retrieved from https://www.finnishdesignshop.com/blogs/news/finlandia-homes-aino-and-elissa
[5] Helsinki Art Museum. (2025). Artworks in Finlandia Homes. Retrieved from https://www.helsinkiartmuseum.fi/en/artworks-in-finlandia-homes
[6] Finnish Design Shop. (2025). Interview with Riitta Kilo. Retrieved from https://www.finnishdesignshop.com/blogs/news/interview-with-riitta-kilo
[7] Arkkitehdit NRT. (2025). Missing or Replaced Elements. Retrieved from https://www.arkkitehditnrt.fi/projects/missing-or-replaced-elements
[8] Design Award. (2025). Finlandia Hall Apartments. Retrieved from https://www.designaward.fi/en/winners/finlandia-hall-apartments
[9] Arkkitehdit NRT. (2025). Built-in Areas. Retrieved from https://www.arkkitehditnrt.fi/projects/built-in-areas
