Lasipalatsi, Functionalist building in Kamppi district, Finland
Lasipalatsi is a functionalist building from the 1930s with large glass surfaces on its facade, located near Kampi square in central Helsinki. It has three floors with shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues.
Three architecture students designed and built this building in 1936 as a temporary structure for the Olympic Games planned for Helsinki. The Games did not take place at that time, but the building remained and became a fixed part of the city.
Bio Rex cinema inside the building is a well-known spot for film screenings and cultural events in Helsinki. The space draws both locals and visitors looking for entertainment in the heart of the city.
The building is easy to reach from Mannerheimintie, where the main entrances are found. The underground art museum Amos Rex, beneath the nearby plaza, can be accessed from the building via stairs or elevators.
The name Lasipalatsi simply means 'Glass Palace' in Finnish, a direct reference to the building's glass facade. During the 2018 renovation, gently curved hills were added to the plaza surface to guide visitors down into the underground exhibition space below.
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