Address: Sairaalatie 9, 62900 Alajärvi Open Google map
Entrance fee: Upon request
Tours: Inquiries to The Youth Association Club, please either call +358 5 315 5786 or email nuo@japo.fi.
Themes: Classicism, Cultural buildings
Website: Alajärven Nuorisoseura
The Alajärvi Youth Association building from 1920 is one of the buildings designed by Alvar Aalto during his studies. It is also his first public building design. Construction work was carried out quickly, and the building is still in use nowadays. The current Youth Association building, that was formerly the Defence Corps building, was completed in 1920, and it was inaugurated on November 28. Until 1946, the building housed the local Defence Corps and Lotta Svärd departments. In 1946, the building was bought by the Youth Association club, that still owns it.
The log building is in Neoclassical style. The outer walls are covered in vertical wooden boards, and the open high roof gives the building a castle-like feel. Cross beams support the ceiling of the main hall; the elevation is so high that there is enough space for a theatre stage and an orchestra balcony. The building is topped by a Carolean lantern on the roof, which is reminiscent of the bell tower of a church. The two side wings originally embraced a small courtyard of honour, that has since been replaced by a built-in vestibule.
The Youth Association building is located along Sairaalatie street, close to the centre of Alajärvi. However, the building has been largely rebuilt due to a fire damaging it in 1983. The Youth Association building was restored to its original form during the renovation work, and the inauguration of the new house was held in 1985. The Alajärvi Youth Association Club maintains and renovates the building within the limitations of the received funding and grants.
The Alajärvi Youth Association Club also offers the possibility of renting the building. The premises of the Youth Association building provide a great setting for organising parties and other events such as weddings and birthdays, meetings and concerts. The premises are well suited for gatherings of about 30-100 people.
Youth Association building in 2018. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
The Youth Association building has a Carolean lantern on the roof, which is reminiscent of the bell tower of a church. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
The premises of the Youth Association building provide a great setting for organising parties and other events such as weddings and birthdays, meetings and concerts
Information for visitors
Good to know
Arriving to Alajärvi
Alajärvi is located in South Ostrobothnia, approximately 377 kilometres away from Helsinki. Using public transport, the best way to reach Alajärvi from Helsinki is taking a train to Seinäjoki and from Seinäjoki a local bus to Alajärvi. Contact number for the taxi service in Alajärvi is +358 6 557 2499.
The Youth Association building is located on Sairaalatie 9.