Alvar Aalto in Alajärvi – life and work

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A lamp in Alajärvi Aalto Center
Aalto Center consists of several buildings designed by Aalto, which are within a short walking distance of each other. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
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Alvar Aalto spent many summers in Alajärvi in his childhood and later had a summer house of his own. For Aalto, Alajärvi represented leisure time with family and relatives in contrast to the hectic work at the office. Aalto called this small rural town his spiritual home.

In the scenic Alajärvi one can see buildings from the long span of Aalto’s career, from the earliest assignments to the last of his office. At the Alajärvi Aalto Centre there are 11 locations, including the recently renovated Villa Väinölä, a home Aalto designed for his brother.

The countryside was his retreat during the busy creative years with the assignments and architectural competitions. Alajärvi is located near to Aalto’s childhood home Kuortane, so the region played an important role in his life.

Experience Highlights

  • Alajärvi Aalto centre
  • Landscapes dear to Aalto
  • Church by architect C.L. Engel
  • Villa Väinölä
  • Nelimarkka Museum
Alajärvi town hall and town library. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
Alajärvi town hall and town library. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
Construction of the parish hall began in 1969 and was completed a year later. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
Construction of the parish hall began in 1969 and was completed a year later. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
Of the Aalto sites in Alajärvi, the town hall is the largest and most visible. The facade of the building is dominated by the council hall's large windows and simple white walls. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
Of the Aalto sites in Alajärvi, the town hall is the largest and most visible. The facade of the building is dominated by the council hall's large windows and simple white walls. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
Alajärvi. Photo: Visit Lakeus
Alajärvi. Photo: Visit Lakeus
Nelimarkka Museum focuses on displaying regional ostrobothnian art. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
Nelimarkka Museum focuses on displaying regional ostrobothnian art. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
Porch of Villa Väinölä. Photo: Tuure Äikäs
Porch of Villa Väinölä. Photo: Tuure Äikäs

Alvar Aalto in Alajärvi – life and work

Duration

1 day

Accessible

No

Availability

All year round

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