We are immensely grateful for the response to our international design competition and want to thank each of the 624 teams that answered our call and submitted their ideas for a new museum building on our extraordinary site in Helsinki’s South Harbour. Reducing the list to just five entries has been a challenging yet inspiring exercise in identifying the greatest potential amongst hundreds of interesting approaches. A massive thank you also to fellow jury members for their commitment – the work continues.

The new museum represents a generational opportunity for the architecture and design sector in Finland, and it arrives at what feels like a moment of wider intellectual and cultural reckoning. The requirements, the need, the opportunities are profound, and enormously exciting. The jury leant into the challenge, interrogating the vast body of proposals to identify this truly exceptional shortlist. These are intriguing projects that feel both timely and timeless, a shortlist of buildings that I hope Finland will be beguiled by.

The five finalist projects represent different visions for an inviting and inspirational museum situated on one of Helsinki’s most important sites. What these entries share is their potential to be buildings of extraordinary and lasting architectural quality. It is the jury’s opinion that they all have distinct urban presence and exceptional spatial properties that allow the new museum of architecture and design to organize the rich variety of exhibitions and events their ambition calls for. In the next phase these projects will be further developed to meet the demands for a sustainable future.

Inviting one and all, Helsinki Biennial is a summer-long celebration of art hosted with a big heart. We look forward to offering the public a memorable experience by presenting the work of world-class artists across three venues extending from the heart of the city to the unique maritime setting of Vallisaari Island.

Helsinki Biennial 2025 envisions art as a source of shelter and compassion. The artworks do not center on humans but instead highlight other life forms, exploring their significance to the wellbeing of our shared planet through a variety of perspectives. Also highlighted are Indigenous narratives, which convey knowledge that can foster a more sustainable way of life. Our vision is to forge new spaces of protection and to inspire positive environmental action.

Our goal is for each biennial edition to leave a lasting legacy—enriching the city’s cultural capital with public art commissions while committing to more sustainable practices. We envision a future where art continues to flourish throughout the city for generations to come.

Being named the world's most sustainable travel destination is proof of the long-term work that has been done in Helsinki. We are developing and growing tourism sustainably together with tourism operators and local residents. The first place we have now achieved indicates that we are on the right path.

International studies show that travellers are increasingly looking for more sustainable services and destinations. There will no doubt be increasing demand for the world's most sustainable tourist destination in the future.

Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is a fine Helsinki tradition that has been part of the Helsinki autumn landscape for almost 300 years. The Baltic Herring Market was originally intended for people to stock up on food for the winter, but nowadays the event attracts fans of maritime flavours and archipelago culinary culture to savour the autumn market atmosphere at the Market Square. This year, we’re celebrating Helsinki culinary culture and its talented creators, which naturally includes seafood and traditional fishers. For me, Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is one of the most anticipated experiences in the Feast Helsinki food year.

It’s exciting to design a playground for children, for whom play often means a computer game instead of a sandbox. The new playground offers something new for this generation. In the digital world, children are users, but in the playground, they are creators. I hope that Ruoholahti Playground will become an attractive place for children of many ages, where they can also learn about technology while playing.

As recently outlined in our new architecture programme, we are committed to recognising the important role of architecture and landscape design in creating good urban life. Fostering child-friendly design is a key part of this work, and the Ruoholahti playground is a great example of what can be done.

Our new Museum of Architecture and Design is be a landmark project that celebrates Finland's rich legacy in design and architecture. This competition is an important step in creating a space that honors our strong cultural heritage in design and architecture, which are treasured by our people and admired worldwide. The Finnish government is deeply committed to supporting this project, recognizing its significance inspiring future generations.

The architecture competition for the new Museum of Architecture and Design will introduce a new landmark to the cityscape of Helsinki in a hugely significant site on the waterfront of the city’s South Harbour. This is a project that will strengthen the appeal and ambition of the city of Helsinki as a design and architecture destination, and we are overwhelmed by the quality of the responses to the competition.

The competition brief for Finland's new National Museum of Architecture and Design is an ambitious vision that embraces the museum's civic role in democratizing access to the tools of design. We seek an architecturally unique building that meets high sustainability goals while being a welcoming and inspiring space—an active hub of engagement and creativity for many, and a place of calm and reflection for others. The jury has been deeply impressed by the thoughtful and innovative interpretations from architects and creative teams on how the new museum can best serve our communities.

The aim of transforming the Katajanokka shoreline area is to create a lively urban space. With this project, we will be able to open the shoreline to the people of Helsinki. A building made of wood, that is durable and has as low a carbon footprint as possible meets the city’s goals.

We believe that amidst all the global challenges, solutions lie within cities. Helsinki is a rapidly expanding metropolis in the heart of the Nordics, and it’s an ideal testing ground for shaping the future. We are committed to innovation and sustainability, and we’re proud to be the catalyst for pioneering solutions with global impact.

Helsinki has a very diverse pool of talents, and the Finnish people have a very strong sense of commitment and dedication to their work. For us, it is very important that people are independent and complete their work tasks responsibly. Everyone's in this together and they understand the entrepreneur culture.

Budgets are blossoming in terms of developing deep tech and deep science here in Helsinki. A lot of companies are making their way to the climate change space, and quantum computing. The Finnish tech landscape encompasses many cutting-edge areas that you can learn from, invest in, and implement into your own business and market.

We believe that amidst all the global challenges, solutions lie within cities. Helsinki is a rapidly expanding metropolis in the heart of the Nordics, and it’s an ideal testing ground for shaping the future. We are committed to innovation and sustainability, and we’re proud to be the catalyst for pioneering solutions with global impact.

Helsinki has a very diverse pool of talents, and the Finnish people have a very strong sense of commitment and dedication to their work. For us, it is very important that people are independent and complete their work tasks responsibly. Everyone's in this together and they understand the entrepreneur culture.

Budgets are blossoming in terms of developing deep tech and deep science here in Helsinki. A lot of companies are making their way to the climate change space, and quantum computing. The Finnish tech landscape encompasses many cutting-edge areas that you can learn from, invest in, and implement into your own business and market.

We are thrilled and honored to host the upcoming MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony next week. We can't wait to welcome everyone and showcase our excellent offerings and unique culinary scene to our quests. Helsinki undoubtedly deserves its spot on the gastronomic map

Gastronomy plays a vital role when people decide where to travel. It is important that Helsinki has culinary experiences to offer for the visitors year round

Fashion in Helsinki is showcasing Finnish creativity, the talented designers and Finland’s unique craftmanship in fashion design. Helsinki has become a global hotspot of creativity. This new era of transformation can largely be attributed to growing scene of young adults working in the fields of music, fashion, media art and design. New types of clubs, events and exhibitions are bringing international audiences to Helsinki, and young local fashion designers are gaining recognition through collaborations and international fashion competitions.

Fashion in Helsinki really energizes the local talent pool. Helsinki’s creative scene is lively throughout the year but during this one week in May, Helsinki really is the place to be for everyone interested in fashion and creativity. Fashion in Helsinki is the perfect way to explore the Helsinki scene. In addition to the main events, there is a long list of showroom events and parties. The week really shows Helsinki as the amazing city it is: a true Nordic capital of creativity.

Finland has a rich and fascinating history of design that is deeply embedded in both our national identity and our living culture. That culture is expressed fully in Helsinki – a former World Design Capital, where public policy and private enterprise have worked together to build a knowledge economy based upon high-value, innovative activities that have design thinking at their heart.

We want to democratise the tools of design. The new museum of architecture and design will engage the public in activities and experiences that broaden the understanding of design as a tool that empowers people to participate actively as citizen designers. Successful designs for the museum will need to embrace and advance the model of the museum as a site for active engagement with ideas and practice, as much as for the display and interpretation of artefacts.

Helsinki has an international reputation for architecture and design that reflects the strong belief in good design as a means for living well that is present in all Nordic societies. We’re delighted to launch this international open competition to find an architect for the new museum of architecture and design. The open competition is a strong component of the tradition of architecture in Finland that opens the commission up to exciting concepts from designers at any stage in their career – from undiscovered talent to established names.

This new museum will enhance Helsinki’s global profile as a capital of design by placing the subject at the heart of the urban renewal of the South Harbour, one of the city’s most significant waterfront sites. We’re delighted to bring this project forward to create social benefits, provide new employment, attract international visitors and generate commerce in Helsinki.

The people of Helsinki trust the city to organise functional services and also low threshold access to experiences such as culture and nature. The new, internationally interesting Museum of Architecture and Design planned for Helsinki is just one concrete example of how we are investing in the future of our city and the wellbeing of our residents.

The best thing about Helsinki is the freedom to be yourself and live your own life. I go swimming in the Baltic Sea all year round and enjoy the euphoria brought by the cold water. In addition to the sea, I love the asphalt in Helsinki and the freedom that skateboarding brings, as well as the warm community I find there.

Helsinki boasts an impressive cultural scene and plenty of urban green oases. According to a recent survey, Helsinki residents appreciate the quality of life in their city. Helsinkians value proximity to nature and the sea, arts and culture, a safe living environment, and efficient public transport in their hometown. Still, we feel strongly that the Helsinki Happiness Hacks can be experienced by anyone, even during a short visit.

Finnish happiness boils down to the simple things in life: connecting with nature, taking care of one’s mind and body, and appreciating design and art around us. Happiness can be found in moments of pure contentment you get when the setting is just right: on a bike ride in a forest with the perfect playlist on or enjoying a post-sauna sausage while cooling off on a beautiful summer evening. Most importantly, happiness hacks are skills that anyone can learn to boost their well-being.

This new museum is set to both enhance Helsinki's global profile and provide a new, meaningful incentive to visit Helsinki. The museum will provide a cultural heart for the rapidly developing South Harbour area and a new, inviting urban space in Helsinki’s prime maritime location. It also represents a sustainable investment that will create jobs, generate commerce, and attract tourists to Helsinki. The museum represents an investment in the future, it is exciting to see the plans now coming to fruition.

Everyone is welcome in Oodi, and our most important values are equality and freedom of speech. Oodi has space for businesspeople and the homeless, pensioners and families with children. We strive to offer interesting things to do and services for absolutely everyone.

The vision of the Finnish Startup Community and our partners is a country where labour migration is wrapped up in two weeks and all services related to the immigration process are available from a single point, with minimal strain on the authorities, companies and the migrants.

Functional concepts have already been developed under the Virtual Finland project and it would be a shame to see the work go to waste if further funding is not granted. Now is the time to accelerate the project’s development and create practical measures from the concepts.

If you are a VC considering opening a new office, Finland and especially Helsinki should be at the top of your list. The country and the city offer exceptional regulatory stability, a business-friendly environment, a strong innovation culture coupled with low hierarchy, and widespread English proficiency. The country excels as a hub for cutting-edge advancements in digitalization and green transition, making it an ideal location for backing top-tier innovation. Even during an economic downturn, a strong foundation has been built for both early and late-stage ventures. Helsinki is ready when the economy starts thriving again.

Finland has a lot of early-stage funding available and maintained these levels during 2023. Over the recent decade, the Finnish startup ecosystem has matured – and after many successful exits and global growth stories, we now have a pool of highly experienced entrepreneurs both investing in and building the next wave of European tech companies. It’s no wonder that international VCs are interested in integrating into the Finnish ecosystem.

Finland and Helsinki are truly at the forefront of global innovation. High entrepreneurial spirit, strong technological know-how, and a forward-thinking mindset create an environment where investment and startups can thrive. Helsinki is an attractive destination for global talent and in Antler’s residency program, 50% of applicants are expats. This is a sign that Helsinki is not just a place to invest: it's a place to shape the future.

We have now been in the industry for almost 3 years, gradually learning the rhythm of fashion. In this time, we have created our own version of the typical rat race. Luckily, we live and work from Helsinki which is not a typical fashion capital, but a city with calmer phase where creativity can bloom freely. We also love the idea that we are a bit outsider, which I believe gives us a more objective perspective on the industry. The collection is heavily inspired by the journey of our brand, the synergy between work and leisure, and my thoughts on what work life is and what it should be. I've been told that I'm married to my work, but it is a happy marriage.

Helsinki has become a global hotspot of both electronic music and fashion. This new era of transformation can largely be attributed to a small but growing scene of young adults from the fields of music, fashion, media art and design, working together. When designing clothes, I like to think about this creative crowd. The clothes in the VAIN AW24 collection are more than just wearable elements; they are the symbols of balance and inner strength. The idea of the collection is to encourage people to uncover meaning in every moment, whether it's a busy workday or a relaxing weekend.

We are delighted to set for the very first time our annual Nordic Ceremony in the magnificent City of Helsinki. As the national culinary flagship of Finland, Helsinki will be an ideal location to bring together the crème de la crème of Nordic gastronomy. Together with the City of Helsinki, as well as the support of Business Finland/ Visit Finland, we will organize a Ceremony worthy of the talent of the chefs and the excellence of the restaurants that our inspectors have independently chosen to honor.

We are thrilled the MICHELIN Guide has chosen to organise one of the world’s most famous restaurant events in our city this year. It is an esteemed acknowledgement of Helsinki’s versatile food culture, which includes everything from high-quality fine dining and food industry innovations to berries and seafood from our local natural environment. We hope that as many residents of the city as possible will also have the opportunity enjoy the event’s atmosphere and flavours

Food is an essential part of every trip. For years now, its importance has increased while choosing a travel destination, as travellers seek out unforgettable culinary experiences with a distinct local flavour. There are great food tourism destinations in Finland, but the high quality of Finnish food and the one-of-a-kind gastronomic culture we have here are not yet very well known on the world stage. The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony in Helsinki will provide excellent support for our efforts to strengthen Finland's reputation as an attractive food tourism destination

The unveiling of the new Nordic restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide is a great opportunity for local food industry representatives to showcase their expertise and specialties. Versatility, personality and uniqueness are Helsinki’s strengths when it comes to our food culture. We have the courage to combine new and old, eastern, western and northern, and come up with something completely off-the-beaten-path. Food is a key contributor to Helsinki’s overall vitality and appeal, and it is one of our main priority areas for the coming year

Art is often and at its best an exploration, just like science. Both offer insights and discoveries to the openminded seeker, and you can never be sure what the expedition will uncover.

The 2024 version of 90 Day Finn will kick off with a 30-day intensive immersion, recommended for all participants, and continue with an optional 60-day period.

Our goal is to create an experience, and our curatorial approach is an essential part of our events and music. In Helsinki, there isn’t anyone out there trying to put our work into a box. We are free to experiment and have our own approaches. It makes Helsinki definitely a very interesting place to be creative right now as there is space for anything really. There are no molds that we must try to fit in.

As we navigate this relentless cycle of creation, we find ourselves constantly busy, adorned in the same clothes, despite being creators of fashion. The concept explores the paradox of months-long, intensive work culminating in a fleeting 15-minute runway show, only to swiftly transition to the next endeavour and keep running. I’ve always wanted to do my own thing – to be independent and resist the endless rat race. Ironically, I ended up creating my own. Luckily, Helsinki is a place that offers the counterbalance.