Frequently asked questions about construction projects

Why is the extension being built for the National Museum?

The National Museum needs more space to better meet the requirements of modern museum operations. In the new museum complex, you can enjoy a diverse programme of exhibitions and events, get to know the national cultural heritage, organise events or even just stop by a restaurant, café or museum shop. The museum's future activities and contents are currently being planned.

How was the building chosen?

An international architectural competition was held for the design of the new building in 2019. It was won by JKMM Architects' proposal, which will now be implemented on the plot.

The impressive, architecturally and structurally ambitious extension is located in the courtyard park of the National Museum, mainly underground, where the new building will be combined with the main building. The size of the extension is approximately 5,300 square metres. Of this, approximately 2,300 square metres are cultural spaces open to the public. The final height of the event space is about seven metres.

Will the entire museum be closed during construction?

Yes, at the same time as the construction of the extension of the National Museum, the main building of the museum will be partially renovated. The renovation now being carried out will include the renovation of the roofs, facades and ventilation of the National Museum.

What is the schedule for the construction project?

Construction work began in autumn 2023 and will be completed in 2026. The new museum complex will be opened to the public in 2027. The renovation of the main building of the museum will be completed by 2027.

How are children taken into account in the museum?

Families with children and student groups are traditional and key customer groups of the National Museum, and they will not be forgotten in the future either!

What will happen to the courtyard park surrounding the museum?

A significant part of the construction project is the restoration of the courtyard park surrounding the restaurant pavilion into a green event area open to everyone. When construction began, some of the trees were removed from the site and some were felled, as a condition survey revealed that they were suffering from elm disease. Cuttings have been taken from old trees, and new seedlings are grafted from them to be planted in the museum's yard park.

How will the museum be accessible in the future or by various means of transport?

Unobstructed access can take place either through the historical museum building or through the new building.The trams will continue to stop in front of the museum on Mannerheimintie. There will be plenty of bicycle racks in the yard. In the future, drop-off traffic will come from Töölönkatu. The nearest parking spaces are located in the nearby parking garages.

Will there be open, free-of-charge activities at the National Museum in the future?

Some of the National Museum's activities will continue to be free of charge. In addition, you can visit the museum's cafés and restaurants as well as the museum shops without an entrance fee.What will happen to the Häkälä yard building?The future use of the courtyard building is currently being considered.

What will happen to the Vaunuvaja building?

The former carriage shed will remain as an office space, and in the future, employees of the Finnish Heritage Agency will work there.

Will the parking lot in the courtyard park be preserved?

No, it won't. Instead, there are several parking garages in the nearby area, the closest being located between the Parliament House and the National Museum.

How is ecology taken into account in construction?

The project has been guided by sustainable construction solutions. The durability goal of the building frame is 200 years. The design of the building is guided by the objectives defined by the RTS environmental classification.

https://cer.rts.fi/rts-ymparistoluokitus

A green roof will be built on the roof of the extension to filter pollutants and carbon dioxide from the air. Its properties in retaining rainwater are very good. This also gives insects more space in the middle of the city.In construction, attention is paid to the implementation of solutions that are as low-carbon as possible. SRV's construction sites became emission-free as of the beginning of 2022, and Senate Properties, in turn, is committed to the Emission-Free Construction Sites Green Deal agreement. The parties' common goal is to minimise the carbon footprint of the new building and to maximise the project's carbon handprint.

How much does a construction project cost? How will it be financed?

The construction is the responsibility of the state's real estate specialist Senate Properties, and it is funded from the state budget. The main contractor of the extension is SRV. The total value of the contract, which will be implemented as Senate's key project alliance, is approximately EUR 55 million. The main contractor for the renovation is NCC. The main and architectural design is the responsibility of the consortium A-Konsultit Architects, Talli Architects and Design Bureau Talli Oy, and Wilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä, Architects SAFA. The cost estimate is approximately EUR 35 million.

More about the construction project on Senate's website.