JKMM Architects, a Helsinki-based firm, has emerged victorious in an international architectural competition to design a new Architecture and Design Museum in Helsinki. The open competition, which attracted 624 entries according to the jury protocol, represents another successful example of Finland's transparent and inclusive approach to major cultural projects.
The winning firm, founded in 1998, is well-known for its cultural buildings including the private Amos Rex Museum, the Dance House Helsinki planned with ILO, the Chappe in Tammisaari, and the Finnish Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai. JKMM is currently working on expansions of the Finnish National Museum and the Lillehammer Art Museum, making this victory a significant addition to their portfolio of cultural institutions.
The new 10,050 square meter building will be constructed on a prominent site at the South Harbor, where the surrounding waterfront area is currently being transformed into a cultural district according to a master plan by White Arkitekter and KS2 Architects. The municipal AD Museum, which resulted from the merger of two institutions, will serve as both client and operator of the new facility.
The two-stage open competition was launched in April 2024 by the AD Museum together with the Museum of Architecture and Design Foundation, the City of Helsinki, and the Finnish Architecture Association SAFA. By the end of 2024, a jury chaired by Mikko Aho, former director of Helsinki's City Planning Department, had selected a shortlist of five designs, which were then made available online for public commentary.
The competition concluded with the announcement of four prizes and one purchase award. JKMM Architects' entry "Kumma" took first place with a prize of €60,000, followed by "City, Sky and Sea" by cossement cardoso from Lisbon (€35,000), "Moby" by Lopes Brenna from Chiasso (€25,000), and "Tyrsky" by the Finnish collective of Kertu Snäkin, Henri Vierimaa, Petra Matikka, and Mintumeri Hirsimaa (€20,000). Atelier Orda received a purchase award of €10,000 for their entry "Tau."
"Kumma," meaning "strange" in Finnish, presents a building that appears less conventionally appealing compared to other shortlisted candidates when viewed against Helsinki's skyline. The design features a compact, low-profile structure intended to preserve views from Tähtitorninmäki Park to the Market Square and the Katajanokka harbor district. The building's distinctive slanted walls and massive triangular forms, constructed from recycled bricks, continue into the interior spaces and main staircase.
The jury praised the entry as confident and highlighted its careful consideration of the museum's operational requirements as well as the experiences of both visitors and staff. After revisions, the connection to the city appeared strengthened and the exhibition circulation more intuitive. However, the jury noted concerns about usability and accessibility due to sharp edges resulting from the triangular geometry. The building's low carbon footprint is achieved through the use of recycled materials and low-carbon products, with the jury seeing additional opportunities for sustainability improvements in building systems, which is crucial given Helsinki's climate goals.
Both the City of Helsinki and the Finnish state have committed to co-financing the museum. With additional donations from four private foundations, the estimated budget of €150 million has been nearly reached. Construction work on the museum is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the opening planned for 2030, marking a significant milestone in Helsinki's cultural infrastructure development.
