MuSe Helsinki: A Museum of Seurasaari

Blending Tradition and Innovation in Helsinki

Seurasaari is home to 78 traditional wooden buildings that have been transported from various parts of Finland over the past century. These buildings, known as skanzen houses, are a testament to the country's architectural heritage. With MuSe Helsinki, Takács aimed to create a space that not only respects these historic structures but also adds a new layer of functionality and connection to the city.

Takács approached the project with a deep appreciation for the natural surroundings. He envisioned the museum as a part of nature itself, seamlessly blending in with the island's landscape. The centerpiece of the design is a north-south bridge that serves as the main entrance, guiding visitors towards a journey of knowledge and discovery.

Three new buildings constructed along the bridge provide additional functions to the island, while maintaining a harmonious connection with the skanzen houses. These buildings, designed to meet modern energy and construction needs, serve as active houses that provide protection and energy for both the historic structures and visitors.

The museum building itself is a futuristic industrial structure, designed with contemporary engineering connections and modular edits. It stands as a symbol of innovation, while still paying homage to the traditional wooden architecture. The use of reinforced concrete structures on the ground floor provides stability and protection, while the upper layer is made entirely of wood, reflecting the island's heritage.

One of the key challenges of the project was to create a design that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings and respects the skanzen houses. The shed roof design of the museum building evokes the silhouette of the surrounding pine forest, creating a harmonious visual connection. Additionally, a pine-tree path connects the three buildings, further enhancing the integration of the museum with the island's landscape.

MuSe Helsinki was completed in July 2017 and has since garnered recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations. This museum stands as a testament to the power of design to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, creating a space that honors the past while embracing the future.

Gyula Takács, the mastermind behind MuSe Helsinki, has created a museum that not only showcases the beauty of Finnish wooden architecture but also serves as a symbol of progress and innovation. With its seamless integration into the natural surroundings and its unique blend of tradition and modernity, MuSe Helsinki is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, and design.