Helsinki city council approves new Architecture and Design Museum

Helsinki city council has unanimously approved a zoning plan that clears the way for the construction of a new Architecture and Design Museum on the city’s southern waterfront.

The plan also allows for a public event square and a waterfront route to be built in the Eteläranta area.

Councillors welcomed the decision, noting that the project had been in development for years. Previous attempts to establish a Guggenheim museum on the same site were rejected twice.

Deputy mayor for culture and leisure Paavo Arhinmäki (Left Alliance) said the city could now be proud of its own museum. Anni Sinnemäki (Green League) praised the transformation of the Eteläsatama waterfront, while Niina Suomalainen (National Coalition Party) expressed satisfaction that the area would finally develop in line with its potential.

Councillors also suggested the city explore building a small boat marina near the museum to improve access for boaters.

The museum’s design, titled Kumma, was selected in a competition last year and created by Finnish architecture firm JKMM Arkkitehdit. Construction is set to begin between 2027 and 2028, with the museum expected to open in 2030. The estimated budget is approximately €105 million.