Design for public spaces
Helsinki City Museum
Experiential museum with free access and multifunctional spaces
An oasis of experiences in the heart of Helsinki
Visit the museum online: Helsinki City Museum 360°
Helsinki City Museum aimed to unite scattered spaces under the same roof. At the same time, they wanted to renew the services in the museum, and create a space where people would want to return over and over again.
Our work in this project:
- Comprehensive interior architecture
- Spatial storytelling and appeal
- Customer journey design
- Interaction and community building in the space
- Signage design
- Patterns and window films
- Fixed furniture design
A common space for the entire city
The project posed challenges due to the presence of multiple spatial units, each with distinct atmospheres and functionalities. Therefore, solutions were refined through close collaboration with the client, in various workshops and by visiting the museum’s spaces. The different spaces were connected through a personalized and informative wayfinding system. The unique characteristics and functions of each space were highlighted by incorporating storytelling into the visitor experience and blending history with the present.
The result is a comfortable and engaging experience, where the everyday life of Helsinki residents is reflected not only in the exhibitions but also throughout the space, from the lobby to meeting rooms and from the museum shop to restroom facilities.
I am extremely happy that the museum has become a common space for all the people in the city. We have succeeded in creating an experiential museum with free access, allowing for a variety of uses.
Tiina Merisalo, Museum Director, Helsinki City Museum
The renewed museum has received both national and international recognition for its design, child-friendliness, and innovativeness.
Special Commendation 2018:
European Museum of the Year
Museums+Heritage International Awards – Winner 2017: Museums and Heritage
Museum of the Year 2017 – Winner:
Finnish Museums Association & ICOM
Quality Innovation Award 2017, Public sector innovation: Excellence Finland
LCD Awards, New Museums of the Year – Nominee 2016: The Leading Culture Destinations Awards
European Museum of the Year
Museums+Heritage International Awards – Winner 2017: Museums and Heritage
Museum of the Year 2017 – Winner:
Finnish Museums Association & ICOM
Quality Innovation Award 2017, Public sector innovation: Excellence Finland
LCD Awards, New Museums of the Year – Nominee 2016: The Leading Culture Destinations Awards
Barnvänligaste platsen i Helsingfors 2016 – Helsingin lapsiystävällisin paikka:
Svenska kvinnoförbundet i Sörnäs, Ungmartha & Lilla Luckan
Recognition for promoting accessibility 2016: The City of Helsinki, Council on Disability
Svenska kvinnoförbundet i Sörnäs, Ungmartha & Lilla Luckan
Recognition for promoting accessibility 2016: The City of Helsinki, Council on Disability
