The Finnish capital is home to around 600 Art Nouveau buildings, the largest concentration in the region. Jugend or Art Nouveau architecture flourished in Helsinki due to its long tradition and its key position in the international design scene.
It had its greatest splendor in the transition period from the 19th to the 20th century, and here it was strongly influenced by the current of romanticism generated around the greatest Finnish epic, Kalevala. The Kansallismuseo or the National Museum is a good example of this magnificent combination of styles, with a markedly romantic exterior and a primarily Art Nouveau interior.
How to contemplate architecture
The recommended route to admire the best examples of Helsinki’s Jugend architecture in all its splendor is through the city center, visiting the Central Station, the Finnish National Theater and Pohjola House, all within a short distance. You can even see interiors of notable buildings such as the Jugendsali, originally built as a private residence, where there is a cafeteria on the ground floor, for the well-deserved stop and refuel.
Also the districts of Kruununhaka and Katajanokka, next to the downtown area, are ideal for exploring on foot and the Ullanlinna district is a short tram ride away. Olofsborg, in the Katajanokka neighborhood, represents one of the most admired Jugend buildings in Helsinki. Built in 1903, its towers are inspired by those of the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, in Savo. Behind its striking design is the famed trio of architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen, who also designed the National Museum.
Jugend or Art Nouveau is characterized by stylized motifs, curvilinear and organic shapes. This current influenced all the decorative arts: architecture, fashion, furniture, graphic design, etc.
With the idea that the traveler can discover these jewels of architecture by reliving this beautiful period of art at their leisure, the Museum of the City of has published a new map, which can be consulted online, with walking routes and also tram routes