Finlandia Hall – a marble masterpiece by Alvar Aalto

At the heart of Helsinki, overlooking Töölönlahti Bay, stands Finlandia Hall – a white marble building that has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and conference scene since 1971. Designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, Finlandia Hall is more than a venue; it’s an iconic symbol of Helsinki’s blend of design, history, and modernity.

a woman in a red coat

Finlandia Hall is best described as a work of art. Alvar Aalto’s design captures the essence of Finnish modernism, from the sleek white marble facade to finely crafted interiors, where every piece of furniture was custom-designed for the space.

Behind the scenes is Finlandia Hall’s CEO Johanna Tolonen, whose 12 years of leadership have seen the venue host world-class events and undergo a transformative three-year renovation. For Johanna, Finlandia Hall represents decades of stories. 

“This house is full of design treasures. Every corner tells a story, and every detail reflects Aalto’s vision that still makes an impact to this day.” 

Visitors are particularly captivated by the interplay of light within the building.

“The northern light flows beautifully through the space, whether it’s the cold shades of winter or the endless summer days,” Johanna explains.

The recent renovation, set to be unveiled in January 2025, has restored these features while introducing new services. Finlandia Hall will now offer a design shop, a wine café, and even two apartments available for short stays, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the building’s calm atmosphere. Additionally, the Finlandia Hall will also have its own Finlandia Bistro, and in the summer of 2025, an immersive exhibition about Alvar Aalto and Finland will also be open for visitors. 

Stage for historic moments and cultural icons

Over the years, Finlandia Hall has hosted some of the world’s most significant events from political summits to unforgettable concerts. Johanna recalls organizing the Trump-Putin summit in 2018 with just two weeks’ notice. 

“We had to prepare for 1 500 international journalists in the middle of summer, but it went perfectly,” she says. “That event earned us recognition as the world’s best event centre at the Bea World Festival.”

Culturally, Finlandia Hall has been the stage for legends like Björk, Finnish music icons like Hector, and even sensations like ABBA, who performed their only concert ever in Finland here in 1976.

“It’s incredible to think of the history this building holds,” Johanna reflects. “Every event, whether it’s a global summit or a local concert, adds another highlight to the story.”


Photo Helsinki Partners
a light on a ceiling

Design and Architecture

Helsinki

Photo Juho Kuva
Finlandia Hall (3)

Celebrating collaboration and sustainability

Beyond its grand events, Finlandia Hall is deeply connected to the Helsinki community. Each year, the venue collaborates with nearby cultural institutions like the Opera House and the Music Centre to organize events like park clean-ups and the Mayor’s Independence Day party for children.

“This event is one of my favorites. Six thousand 10-year-olds come dressed up, shake hands with the mayor, and enjoy performances by Finland’s biggest pop stars. The joy and energy in the room are unforgettable”, Johanna says. 

In addition to park clean-ups, sustainability is in the center of Finlandia Hall’s operations. The venue was the first in Europe to install solar panels on a conference center and has significantly reduced food waste by 60 percent by serving meals on plates rather than in buffet lines.

Not just a venue

For visitors of Finlandia Hall, the experience extends beyond the building itself. Located just steps from the city center and surrounded by Töölönlahti Bay and lush park areas, the venue offers a tranquil yet accessible setting. 

“You can host a conference in the morning, take a walk by the sea in the afternoon, and dine at a world-class restaurant in the evening, all within walking distance.”

Johanna also shares her tips for a more casual or a luxury stay in Helsinki

“There are several very good hotels for everybody’s taste. If you feel for luxury, I would recommend Hotel Maria or St. George or Hotel Kämp, for example. Hotel Mestari is also a really nice boutique hotel.” For Johanna, Finlandia Hall embodies what makes Helsinki unique: its ability to seamlessly blend nature, design, and culture into a city that feels both intimate and grand.

“It’s not just a venue,” she says. “It’s a place where people come to connect, to be inspired, and to experience the best of what Helsinki has to offer.”

Work-life harmony on point

Outside work, Johanna reflects on her extensive experience across various cities like London, Stockholm or Edinburgh.

“In Helsinki, the work-life balance stands out; the distances are manageable, traffic is mild, and nature is very close,” Johanna shares.

Her time managing diverse ventures—from Christmas charters in Lapland to cultural activities in major European cities—has given her a broad perspective. Yet, in Helsinki she finds something unique.

“Forests, parks, and the sea are all within easy reach, making it simple to unwind after work,” she notes. As a cycling enthusiast, she finds particular joy in Helsinki’s landscapes: “I like cycling during the summer – it’s a long route, but it cleanses your mind.”