New Architecture in Helsinki: Amos Rex Museum Opens in Lasipalatsi Square

Helsinki is a city that’s experienced significant changes over the last few years, including improvements to the architectural scene. The latest addition to the city is the subterranean Amos Rex Museum, built in and under Lasipalatsi Square. This annex was built as an addendum to the museum formerly called Amos Anderson Art Museum, the largest private art museum in Helsinki. Amos Rex is dedicated to Amos Andersen, the Finnish patron of the arts and owner of the Hufvudstadsbladet newspaper who once lived and worked in the building that became the museum in 1965.

The update on the museum designed by Finnish architecture firm JKMM Architects, incorporates gentle curves and lots of skylights to create a sense of space and light that is both modern and whimsical. Building began on the site in 2016 and it was opened in 2018 to immediate acclaim. The new layer will be used for exhibitions, performances and workshops.

The improved Amos Rex Museum is a testament to how it is possible to build on already-existing spaces, and use non-tradiional space such as underground area to create an upgraded and dynamic atmosphere in a public area.