Architecture of the annex

The "New National" was a general, two-stage architectural competition for the design of the National Museum's annex. The competition was organised by the Finnish Heritage Agency, the National Museum of Finland and Senate Properties. A total of 184 competition entries were received, of which the competition jury declared JKMM Architects' 'Atlas' the winner in December 2019.

The National Museum's annex will be built in connection with the historically valuable main building in Helsinki, designed by Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen.

A symbol of national values and culture

In its evaluation criteria, the jury described the winning Atlas work as "gallant overall" and good in terms of accessibility. "The fact that the large curved ceiling surface is visible from the underground lobby areas creates a great atmosphere in the interior and is an excellent solution in terms of orientation. The proposal is functionally very good, natural and handsome. The lobby spaces and the curved ceiling surface can be utilised in exhibition activities in such a way that they also get theme-specific visibility from the outside. The facilities are easy to approach and find."

Elina Anttila, Director General of the National Museum of Finland and member of the competition committee, is delighted with the great competition.

"The new building serves as a symbol of our time's understanding of national values and culture. JKMM's beautiful work strongly highlights the renewal and transformative power of culture, while also underlining the unique architecture of the current building. The structure of the facilities also meets the needs of the museum's expanding operations on a practical level."

JKMM Architects has been responsible for the design of numerous new culture, science and art houses in Finland, including Amos Rex, Helsinki University's Think Corner and Dance House Helsinki, which are familiar to Helsinki residents. The working group set out to design the extension of approximately 4900 square metres by refining the architecture of architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen, who designed the historical museum building, which contains historical references and emphasises the craftsmanship of construction, to be implemented with the means of expression of today's art form.

"Atlas deals with themes that are essential to our architecture, such as humanity and the nature of the place, as well as the team spirit they create. The National Museum belongs to everyone. It contains the ingredients for the common good for everyone in Finland. That is why we wanted to create an extension for the National Museum, the architecture of which is easy for all visitors to understand, but which at the same time evokes rich interpretations," says Samuli Miettinen, Chief Designer and one of the founding partners of JKMM Architects.

A unique overall experience

The expansion of the museum will enable the production of large and demanding international exhibitions for the National Museum. In addition to exhibitions, the modifiable spaces are suitable for organising a wide range of cultural, art and leisure events, conferences and events.

The historic building, the new part and the open courtyard park, which is used by urban events and communities all year round, create a unique overall experience. At the heart of the concept is a perspective on Finnish society, its cultural heritage and development, which emphasises cultural diversity. The New National is a functional and architectural reinterpretation of what the national means to us today.

The aim of the National Museum's diverse, internationally high-quality programme is to broaden our understanding of our culturally complex and rich living environment. Through its activities, the museum strengthens the literacy of history and cultural heritage and helps to perceive their effects on our lives and future.