Kiasma, Modern art museum building in Kluuvi, Finland.
Description
Kiasma is a contemporary art museum in Helsinki built from two intersecting concrete volumes with organically curved walls. The structure uses skylights and translucent glazing for natural illumination, while a reflecting pool along the western facade mirrors the building's form.
History
An international design competition in 1992 led to the selection of Steven Holl's proposal from 515 submitted entries. The building opened to the public in 1998, marking a turning point in Finland's museum architecture.
Culture
The name Kiasma comes from Greek terms for crossing and intersection, reflecting the building's intersecting volumes. Visitors experience this idea through curved ramps connecting different art areas, offering new perspectives on the works displayed.
Practical
The building is easily accessible on foot from the city center and sits between major landmarks like Parliament House and Helsinki Station. Large windows offer views of the city and nearby bay, while interior ramps allow barrier-free exploration throughout the galleries.
Did you know?
The concrete surfaces show subtle wear, scratches, and marks that have developed over time, giving the raw material a lived-in character. This unexpected texture brings warmth and groundedness to the otherwise futuristic design, catching many visitors off guard.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Helsinki).
Eduskuntatalo
242 m
Helsinki Central Library Oodi
248 m
Kiasma
0 m
Kamppi Chapel
254 m
Equestrian statue of Marshal Mannerheim
33 m
Amos Rex
113 m
Lasipalatsi
153 m
Helsinki Music Centre
242 m
VR warehouses
166 m
Forumin kortteli
269 m
Lyhdynkantajat
259 m
Helsinki main post office
81 m
Finnish National Gallery
0 m
Finnish Parliament Annex
172 m
Hotel Seurahuone
236 m
New Student House
290 m
Turku barracks
203 m
Koiton talo
303 m
Hankkijan talo
143 m
Kulttuurikasarmi
230 mKino Regina
272 m
Mannerheimintie Bridge
129 m
Villa Arkadia
147 m
Parlament of Finland, C-building
91 m
100th anniversary memorial to the state railways
282 m
Building A in Parliament House
211 m
Vltava
152 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes