Your guide to Helsinki’s new, must-see architecture and design experiences in 2026

Despite its compact size, Helsinki offers plenty to explore, particularly for those drawn to design, culture, food and nature. From its sprawling archipelago and Michelin-starred restaurants to the city’s striking architectural feats – both contemporary and centuries-old – the Finnish capital brims with sensory treats.

In 2026, Helsinki’s offerings are poised to level up even further, having announced a bevy of exciting developments, honing in on some of Finland’s greatest exports: design and architecture. Read on for our comprehensive guide to all the fresh, must-see experiences unfolding in the city next year.

If 2025 was the year of the Moomins – the beloved, Tove Jansson-drawn creatures that celebrated their 80th anniversary in a grand manner, including a Vogue Scandinavia cover – next year is shaping up to be Alvar Aalto’s. 2026 marks 50 years since the death of the legendary Finnish designer and architect, while also heralding the 90th anniversary of his iconic Aalto vase.

Naturally, Helsinki, which became a treasured home and creative hub for Aalto, is paying tribute. At the city’s Architecture and Design Museum, a brand-new exhibition titled Aalto Design – Shapes of Wellbeing will open in June, exploring Aalto’s celebrated, human-centric design philosophy rooted in nature. For those looking for a head start on delving into Aalto’s work, including that of his key collaborators and wives, Aino and Elissa Aalto, we recommend visiting the Grand Exhibition at Helsinki’s newly-renovated Finlandia Hall.

Related: The story behind Alvar Aalto’s three most iconic interior pieces

To boot, next year is expected to bring a decision on a proposed inscription of 13 Aalto-designed buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage List, five of which are located in Helsinki: the Aalto House, Studio Aalto, Finlandia Hall, the House of Culture, and the headquarters of the National Pensions Institute.

Venture to Helsinki’s Seurasaari island, and chances are that for a fleeting moment, you’ll forget you’re a stone’s throw away from the city centre. In the summer of 2026, the picturesque island, known for its lush, forested trails, pristine beaches and famously friendly squirrels, will welcome its first new site in 40 years. The latest addition spotlights a cherished element of Finnish culture and architecture, as a traditional summer cottage from 1953 is relocated to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.

Finnish architect Erkki Koiso-Kanttila designed the cottage for his family, and it has remained in their use until now. Spanning 41 square metres, the cottage is a classic example of a humble, rustic Finnish rural retreat, comprising a living room, a kitchenette, and a sleeping alcove. Visitors can marvel at this slice of local culture with a museum ticket.

Related: Inside the fairytale Danish summerhouse of legendary architect Bjarke Ingels

When the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall was first opened in 1928 in Helsinki’s Töölö neighbourhood, it became the country’s first public swimming pool. Today, it remains the oldest still-operating public swimming hall in the Nordics. Designed by architect Väinö Vähäkallio, the historic building embodies Nordic Classicism. Meanwhile, its striking interiors, comprising lofty ceilings, majestic arches, and vibrant mosaic tiling, draw on Art Deco influences, evoking the feel of a luxurious bathhouse from a bygone era.

In 2022, it was announced that the swimming hall would undergo extensive renovation. The city invited Helsinki residents to pitch in with their wishes for the revamped site, where most people stressed the importance of preserving the building’s storied past.

Come February 2026, the swimming hall will reopen to the public, featuring the iconic turquoise pool, several types of saunas, a private relaxation cabin, and the charming Café Yrjö. Following the long-standing tradition, the City of Helsinki has confirmed that “separate swimming hours for women and men will continue, and visitors may still choose to swim without a swimsuit.”

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Dreamt up by architect Eliel Saarinen, Helsinki’s Central Railway Station is among the city’s most enduring landmarks, dating back to 1919. Its restored Kellotorni (‘clock tower’) has been transformed into a unique venue offering dining, tower tours, and other special experiences that commemorate the building’s rich history. Elsewhere, the station’s stately dining hall harbours a new hotspot, Taulu (‘painting’), which combines a restaurant, café and bar into a laid-back yet refined space.