Parliament House, Helsinki, Finland

Since 1907 the Parliament of Finland was convened in House of the Estates and Finnish House of Nobility. Both buildings became however too small for the 200 members of the independent Finland Parliament. In 1923 a competition was held to choose a site for a new Parliament House. Arkadianmäki, a hill beside what is now Mannerheimintie, was chosen as the best site.

The architectural competition which was held in 1924 was won by the firm of Borg–Sirén–Åberg. Johan Sigfrid Sirén was given the task of designing Parliament House. The building was constructed 1926–1931 and was officially inaugurated on March 7, 1931. Ever since then, and especially during the Winter War and Continuation War, it has been the scene of many key moments in the nation's political life.

Sirén designed Parliament House in an architectural style combining Neoclassicism with early twentieth century modernism. The exterior is red granite and the façade is lined by fourteen columns with Corinthian capitals. The building has five floors, each of which is unique. The floors are connected by a white marble staircase and famous paternoster lifts. Most important for visitors are the main lobby, the stately Session Hall and the large Hall of State.

Guided tours are arranged in Parliament house. Tuesdays and Fridays you can watch the Parliament in session from the public balcony.

Reference: Wikipedia

User Reviews

Lijoys 1 (2 years ago)
The building is a beautiful design. I found it on my way to the rock church. I spent some time in front of it to take some pictures

Nikos Gkekas (2 years ago)
The imposing Finnish Parliament building casts a large shadow over Mannherheimintie. It opened in 1931 and its austere Neoclassicism combined with early 20th-century modernism gives it a solemn appearance. The building’s 14 Corinthian columns and 46 steps leading up to the main entrance.

Olgakolleta musaya (2 years ago)
I had nice view of the parliament building with nice flowers.

Swati Murteli (2 years ago)
We saw it only from outside. Its on the main street. Can we easily seen and easy to commute to this place. Nice architecture.

Lucien Doh (3 years ago)
Very accessible from the main street

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