Finland’s historic Säätytalo reopens after €49m restoration of its painted interiors

The two-year renovation of Helsinki’s Säätytalo, a landmark government building, has been completed with a focus on restoring its elaborate 19th-century painted decorations, state property agency Senaatti-kiinteistöt announced Monday.

Built in 1891 as a meeting place for Finland’s non-noble estates, the neorennaissance building underwent a €49 million overhaul that included repairing its sandstone-imitation façade, conserving interior murals, and modernizing technical systems. The project employed around 1,500 workers, including dozens of specialist conservators tasked with stabilizing flaking paint in the grand halls’ ceiling frescoes and the lion motif of the main staircase’s glass canopy.

Restorers discovered that many surfaces only appear to be marble, rare wood, or stone. “This is the art of imitation,” said Senaatti-kiinteistöt’s construction chief Selja Flink. “Back then, craftsmanship that could mimic marble with paint was highly valued—and budgets were tight.” Domestic pine was often painted to resemble oak, while windows were given faux grain patterns to elevate their appearance. Conservators meticulously reinstated these trompe-l’œil effects during the restoration.

The building’s infrastructure was also upgraded, with kilometers of new electrical wiring installed to meet modern demands, along with energy-efficient ventilation systems hidden behind preserved historical features. A commercial kitchen was modernized, accessibility improved, and the surrounding park—including a playground—restored in collaboration with the City of Helsinki.

Originally designed by architect Carl Gustaf Nyström, Säätytalo has hosted government coalition negotiations since Finland’s independence and remains a state venue for official receptions and seminars. The last full renovation took place 30 years ago.