Vacant dining hall at Helsinki central railway station prompts conservation efforts for iconic artwork

One of the large dining halls in Helsinki’s central railway station has been left vacant following the closure of a fast-food restaurant that had operated there for nearly a decade. Burger King shut its doors in January of this year, sparking mixed reactions due to the hall’s unique backdrop—a massive painting that is one of the most significant works in Finnish art history.

Concerns arose about the impact of fast food debris on the artwork, which depicts a national landscape. However, the hall has previously housed a restaurant, and for over a century, the area has witnessed dining and, at times, smoking beneath the iconic painting “Maisema Kolilta” (Landscape from Kolia) by Eero Järnefelt along with works by A. W. Finch and Ilmari Aalto.

Art conservator Liisa Helle-Wlodarczyk recently examined the artwork up close and noted its significant dirt accumulation. She explained that a cleaning solution will be applied to remove grease and dust, and the process involves gentle techniques to preserve its integrity.

In late 2025, a new restaurant will be established in the hall, albeit without placing a kitchen under the painting. This artwork, created in 1911, was previously exhibited internationally in Berlin and has been the subject of cleaning efforts but never fully restored.

As the preservation process unfolds, it is crucial not only to protect the painting but also to address the challenges presented by its enormous size. The conservation effort is expected to be extensive and expensive, with teams working diligently to ensure the artwork is returned to its original splendor while respecting its historical context.