Architecture in pictures | Taidehalli

Designed by Hilding Ekelund (1893–1984) and Jarl Eklund (1876–1962) and completed in 1928, Helsinki Kunsthalle is a fine example of 1920s’ Classicism and a prime example of this style in Finland. The building itself is protected, defined as a culturally and historically important architectural monument. Picture of Hilding Ekelund on the construction site.

Owing to robust massing, the façade of the Kunsthalle is divided into two rectangular elements that reveal the positioning and spatial outline of the galleries. The asymmetry of the building is typical of the architecture of the period. Picture of the Kunsthalle in the 1930's.

The part facing Aurorankatu street is taller and deeper compared with the rest of the building. It houses the monumental sculpture gallery with its concrete floor decorated with geometric patterns.

The lower part of the house runs along Nervanderinkatu street, housing the slightly lower painting galleries.

In keeping with the simple Classicistic style of the 1920s, the building has very few decorations. One of the few decorative elements on the exterior consists of 28 round medallions on the concave wall above the entrance.

Intended specifically as an exhibition venue, the house was a very modern space designed on functional lines. The galleries were designed for the display of different art forms; sculpture and painting had their own, separate spaces. Picture of the large painting gallery and the exhibition of Einari Junttila, Hannes Silvonen and Feodor Kaski in 1935.

The galleries were positioned so as to give visitors a clear and logical route through the exhibition, and lighting was arranged by placing windows providing natural light in every gallery.

In keeping with the period, the galleries were originally quite dark in colour, but as ideals and requirements changed, they gradually became less sombre and lighter.

The entrance of the Kunsthalle is an oval reception area with the main staircase at one end ascending to the galleries on the upper floor. The Studio exhibition space, separated from the Chief Curator's office and the archives, is also on the ground floor. Picture of the entrance area in the 1930’s.

Located in the middle of the building, the staircase at the junction of the two main building masses separates the sculpture gallery from the painting galleries. The ceiling over the staircase has octagonal coffers painted blue and decorated with gilded star shapes.

The door at the end of the building facing Ainonkatu street was used as the entrance to the Kunsthalle Club which housed the facilities of three organisations: the Artists' Association of Finland, the Finnish Association of Designers, Ornamo, and the Finnish Association of Architects, SAFA. Since these associations relocated, a restaurant has operated on the premises since 1995. Picture of the entrance in the beginning of the 2000’s.

The architecture of Kunsthalle Helsinki has withstood time well. The basic concept of the building remains valid to this day. Over time, the galleries have been modified to suit exhibitions of the type of art typical of each particular period. In its current form, the Kunsthalle is a state-of-the-art exhibition venue that follows the 1960s’ ideal of the 'white cube'.

The first comprehensive refurbishment in the history of the Kunsthalle was begun in May 2008. It took 15 months and was completed in summer 2009.

There were two underground floors quarried under the building for the placement of the lift machinery and other new technology.

In connection with the renovation, all the windows and the doors were renovated.

The middle and the back hall received an underfloor heating system.

The office of Kunsthalle Helsinki had been placed in the former caretaker’s flat. The office premises were completely renewed during the renovation.

Kunsthalle Helsinki is located in a narrow area right next to the library of the Finnish Parliament, which created a challenge for the renovation.

The ceiling was renovated, and the air conditioners were hidden where possible.

The painting hall is about nine metres high in the middle.

The colours of the entrance hall were brought back to those of the 1930s after a careful colour analysis.

The maintenance technology of the building was updated entirely, and the facilities in the galleries were modernised to meet current requirements.

The repairs and modifications were done in sympathy with the architecture and history of the building.