National Museum of Finland was built in 1905-1910 and was opened for public in 1916. It is drawing looks with its high tower and peculiar design in the quite central of Helsinki by the Mannerheimintie. The National Museum of Finland is a great presentation of Finnish architectural styles from different times. So it is not a natural building in a way, because it has been created to be an example. This mighty stone bear guards the National Museum’s door steps firmly. By looking its twinkly eyes one can already feel and understand the great importance that forests with their inhabitants represent to Finns.
This is the Central Railway Station of Helsinki. It was opened on 1919 after 15 years building period. It is in the middle of the city and the stone guardians with their ball lanterns are well known statues in Finland. They represent the VR – The National Railways and are often making appearances on their adverts. They and the whole building is one of the most known landmarks of Helsinki. The building is quite massive and its details are nicely designed. The Central Railway Station of Helsinki is also the first meeting of Helsinki design for a tourist as it often is the starting point of Helsinki visit. And designedly it is quite a glorious one!
This great building with its many pillars is the Parliament of Finland on Arkadianmäki. This box-like building was built from 1926 onwards and was finished on 1931. All the Finns know this building by its design. Many times it is seen on TV when some members of the parliament are interviewed. Also public can go and follow the meetings and some elements of the building and its rooms are well discussed piece of very particular design a building can have. By its design this building represents authority to Finns. The big important decisions considering the Finnish people are made in here and that makes the whole building radiate with dignity.
This photos environment is in the middle of modern design architecture of Helsinki in comparison of the old. Behind the decorated trunk of tree lies the Contemporary Art Museum of Finland called Kiasma. Its building was started on 1996 and it was opened to public on 1998. This designed tree trunk is a piece of display and by this modern idea it quite discusses with the old statue of Marshal Mannerheim. Contemporary central of Helsinki is thus quite interestingly located, it is in the middle of the representatives of old design, Posthouse and the statue.
The new yet-to-be-opened Music House of Helsinki is the most current tribute to the architectural design in the capital of Finland. Its exterior is green greyish stone, which brings to one’s mind the fierce sea that also is one characteristic for Helsinki. The Music House has lots of glass used in its outer appearance is also in balance with its inner design. The Music House is a great example of the new design. It has been designed very carefully, trying to connect buildings around it in order to harmonize the ensemble. However, the Music House does not point out very much, some might consider it dull. But surely, it finds its well-wishers as it is designed for cultural use and by its design it should work as Music House as well as possible.
