Helsinki considers new Guggenheim Museum

Thursday, 12 January 2012 09:06

Kanalterminalen, the red brick building in the center of the photo, occupies the proposed plot for Helsinkis new Guggenheim Museum.
Photo: Helsinki Port/Mikael Kaplar/Studio POiNT

A report prepared by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation on behalf of the City of Helsinki, concluded that a new museum would strengthen Finlands art scene and "help contextualize Finnish art, design, and architecture within the broader tradition of modern art while presenting Finnish audiences with artworks from around the world. Guggenheim Helsinki would have a stronger focus on architecture and design than other Guggenheim affiliates," according Helsinki City's website.

The report was commissioned by the City of Helsinki a year ago, and presented to the City Council on the 10th of January. It will now be taken up for consideration by the authorities. The Guggenheim Foundation writes on its website that the museum is expected to cost 140 million Euro, and accommodate 3,920 square meters of exhibition galleries in a building totaling 12,000 square meters.

According to estimates in the report, the museum can expect 500.000 – 550.000 visitors.

Read more about the report on the Helsinki City website