Relocation relocation: Artek settles into new Helsinki home

View of shop floor with various displays — Closing its Eteläesplanadi grand boulevard hub in January, Artek has reopened in an historic Eliel Saarinen designed property

(Image credit: Artek Helsinki)

Artek's flagship store has jumped from one historic Helsinki property to another. Closing its Eteläesplanadi grand boulevard hub in January, the global culture and lifestyle brand has reopened in an Eliel Saarinen designed property, which couldn't be more centrally located.

Dating back to 1921, the building is located just opposite the Stockmann department store on Keskuskatu, Helsinki's main pedestrian street. The move is more than just about centrality (the previous location was just a short walk further out) – it also marks a return to the company's geographical roots. Between 1954 and 1991, Artek was housed next door, in Alvar Aalto's modernist Rautatalo (or 'Iron House').

The new store's façade allows floods of light through the art nouveau arched windows and, inside, the space has been completely opened up to reveal a vast, warehouse-style display room. Artek's furniture, lighting and accessories are on show in their entirety, organised into individual living clusters over two floors, which helps to demarcate the sprawling, 700 sq m design experience. There's also plenty of space to line with marble shelves, with wares from like-minded Nordic firms Knoll, String and Vitra, to name a few.

Highlights include product launches direct from the trade fairs and Artek Helsinki 'specials' (which are only available in store), as well as a workshop, where Alvar Aalto’s acclaimed 'Stool 60' can be customised on site by clients. Here at Wallpaper*, we are particularly fond of the substantial magazine and art-book nook, which feels more like a relaxed coffee-shop than a design store.

The floorplan also includes a corner dedicated to continuing the legacy of Galerie Artek (established in the 1950s at the Rautatalo store), providing a stage for artists and makers to showcase their work, suggesting that the brand's philosophy of promoting a 'grand synthesis of all the arts' is still at the company's beating heart.

Street view of store — Dating back to 1921, the building is located just opposite the Stockmann department store on Keskuskatu, Helsinki's main pedestrian street

Table &amp; chairs — Between 1954 and 1991, Artek was housed next door, in Alvar Aalto's modernist Rautatalo (or 'Iron House')

Green bench &amp; blue sofa — Inside, the space has been completely opened up to reveal a vast, warehouse-style display room

Stack of tables &amp; colourful display — Artek's furniture, lighting and accessories are on show in their entirety, organised into individual living clusters over two floors, which helps to demarcate the 700 sq m design experience

Table &amp; chairs with surrounding shelves — There's also plenty of space to line with marble shelves, with wares from like-minded Nordic firms Knoll, String and Vitra, to name a few

Chair display — The floorplan also includes a corner dedicated to continuing the legacy of Galerie Artek (established in the 1950s at the Rautatalo store), providing a stage for artists and makers to showcase their work

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Artek website

Photography courtesy Artek Helsinki

ADDRESS

Artek
Keskuskatu 1B 00100
Helsinki

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Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.