Helsinki’s New Museum of Architecture and Design invites exploration and non-linearity through a flowing sequence of curved walls that frame views of the city, sky, and interior spaces. Rather than rigid galleries, the museum unfolds organically—soft lines and open layouts encourage wandering, conversation, and personal discovery.

At its heart, a sky-lit atrium anchors the building, guiding visitors through a rhythm of exhibitions, rest areas, and educational spaces. The experience balances stimulation with moments of pause, reflecting the fluidity and unpredictability of human engagement. Inspired by Alvar and Aino Aalto’s iconic partition walls, the museum’s folding elements shape both intimate enclosures and expansive connections, evoking a sense of continuity and openness.

The museum is woven into its landscape through a series of sculpted islands that echo the forms of the Finnish archipelago. These topographic forms reach into the building’s lobby and climb onto its rooftop, blurring boundaries between architecture and nature. Designed as microhabitats, they support urban biodiversity while offering sensory and immersive experiences. They also serve as platforms for artistic programming, fostering creative interaction and collaboration.

Carefully framed views and fluid circulation link the museum to the city beyond, creating a dialogue between Helsinki’s architectural landmarks and the museum’s interior journey. The result is a museum that feels alive—rooted in its landscape and open to discovery.