Address: Sanantie 7, 40950 Muurame, Finland Open Google map
Entrance fee: Upon request
Themes: Art, Churches, Classicism
Website: Alvar Aalto in Jyväskylä
Opening hours
Alvar Aalto designed several church plans in 1920’s and Muurame church is the only one that was realised. Muurame church is considered to be a interphase in Aalto’s career. After Muurame church, Aalto gradually moved on from classism to functionalism.
The village of Muurame lies a few miles south of Jyväskylä, the town where Aalto opened his first architectural practice in 1923. It was only natural for the parish council to commission its new church from the closest qualified architect. Alvar Aalto had made his first trip to Italy in 1924, and his travel impressions are much in evidence in the church of Muurame.
Muurame church represents Nordic Classicism. Muurame church is located on a ridge and it is an important part of the cultural heritage in the area. The church is a single-aisle basilica with a tall campanile on one side of the rounded chancel. The interior has a barrel vault over a system of joists, the parish hall opens as a side chapel to the right of the chancel. A staircase leads down from this room to an exit with a loggia, which in Aalto´s original plan is surrounded by a rose garden.
Aino and Alvar Aalto designed the furnishings for the church together. The furnishings, designed fairly late in the project, took on elements of Aalto´s conversion to Modernism, and Aalto used Poul Henningsen lamps for interior lighting.
The interior of the Muurame church has undergone several changes over the years. Last time the interiors and exteriors of the Muurame church were renovated in 2016. The aim of the renovation was to restore the church to its original appearance. During the renovation, also Poul Hennigsen’s light fixtures were returned to the church. The latest renovation is considered to be successful.
William Lönnberg was commissioned to paint the altarpiece in 1929.
Alvar Aalto had made his first trip to Italy in 1924, and his travel impressions are much in evidence in the church of Muurame. Photo: Tero Takalo-Eskola, Visit Jyväskylä
Aalto used Poul Henningsen lamps for the interior lighting of Muurame church. Picture: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
Alvar Aalto designed several church plans in 1920's and Muurame church is the only one that was realised. Muurame church is considered to be a interphase in Aalto's career. After Muurame church, Aalto gradually moved on from classism to functionalism.
Information for visitors
Good to know
Arriving to Muurame
Muurame is located approximately 270 kilometres away from Helsinki. You can reach Muurame via Jyväskylä with a train or by Matkahuolto and Onnibus buses. Local buses from Jyväskylä to Muurame takes approximately 20 minutes. Taxi service you can reach from number +100 866 44. Muurame church is located on Sanantie 7, 40950 Muurame.
In 2020 Muurame Church is open to visitors by appointment. Door opening fee of 50 € will be charged upon reservation. Reservations for the visit can be made with the church registry office by calling +358 45 2637 929 or +358 45 613 7122 or by emailing virasto.muurame@evl.fi. Muurame church also has a church service every Sunday at 10:00 am. The doors of the church are open after the service about an hour, which means that you can also visit the church on Sundays and, if you wish, you can also take part in the service.
Further information
Please note! The road Sanantie leading to Muurame Church will be closed from 31st of August until the end of the year 2020 due to road maintenance works. The access to the church is best via road Rinteeläntie during this time. Bigger buses should come through the industrial area (drive on road 9 past Muurame and turn left at the crossroads in the industrial area) as the turn will be too steep for a big bus if the approach direction is from the center of Muurame. For more information, please contact the church registry office by calling +358 45 2637 929 or +358 45 613 7122 or emailing virasto.muurame@evl.fi.