Helsinki City Hall Explained

Helsinki City Hall
Native Name:Finnish: Helsingin kaupungintalo
Swedish: Helsingfors stadshus
Former Names:Hotel Seurahuone
Architectural Style:Neoclassical
Location City:Helsinki
Location Country:Finland
Coordinates:60.1681°N 24.9529°W
Current Tenants:City of Helsinki
Completion Date:1833
Renovation Date:1965–70; 1985–88; 1998–99
Architect:Carl Ludvig Engel (original)
Aarno Ruusuvuori (extension)

Helsinki City Hall (Finnish: Helsingin kaupungintalo, Swedish: Helsingfors stadshus) is a central administrative building of Helsinki, Finland. City Hall is located in the Kruununhaka district, overlooking Market Square, at address Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13. City Hall is the seat of the City Council of Helsinki.

History

Completed in 1833, the building originally served as Hotel Seurahuone and was an important cultural facility hosting many premieres.[1] The hotel was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel who also designed the major buildings around the nearby Senate Square.[1] The city purchased the building in 1901 and, after the hotel moved out in 1913, renovated it as a city hall.[1]

Following an architectural competition the City Hall was radically remodeled by architect Aarno Ruusuvuori in 1965–70, replacing many of the old classical interiors and building modern glass-facaded insertions.

Functions

The City Hall hosts the offices of the Mayor of Helsinki and the Deputy Mayors as well as the meeting facilities for the City Council and City Board. The City Council meets on alternate Wednesdays in the Council Chamber.[2]

City Hall hosts the Virka information service, which is open to all Helsinki residents. The Virka gallery hosts exhibitions, concerts, and movie screenings.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Helsinki City Hall . City of Helsinki / University of Helsinki . 2 July 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141216133309/http://www.virtualhelsinki.net/helsinkipanoraama/historia/eng/kaupungintalo.html . 16 December 2014 .
  2. Web site: City Hall . City of Helsinki . 2 July 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714191855/http://www.virka.fi/en/gallery/city-hall . 14 July 2014 .