Finland: The Classical Roots of Its Architecture and Design
May 17-24, 2008
Sponsored by The Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America
Arrangements by Classical Excursions
One of the great sons of Finland, Jean Sibelius (1865–1957), was once asked what advice he would give a young aspiring composer. He replied “one should consistently avoid the use of unnecessary notes, because every note should have a life of its own.” This philosophy seems fitting in a country where waste is frowned upon and grandeur does not impress.
Whether it’s an eighteenth century manor house or twenty-first-century fabrics designed by Marimekko, Finnish design is known for a simplicity and functionalism that takes its cues from nature. Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Vasa and the city continued to be a major political pawn between Sweden and Russia until 1809, when Finland was lost to Sweden and later absorbed into the Russian empire. After gaining twentieth-century postwar independence, Finland has managed to reassert and advance an extraordinary, recognizable national identity in design as in so many other cultural and social pursuits.
During our week-long tour of Finland, participants will experience the beauty of the elegant and restrained eighteenth-century Sweden, and nineteenth-century Imperial Russia, culminating with Finland’s own unique twentieth-century national romantic aesthetic. Participants will enjoy five nights in Helsinki along with two nights in historic villages in south western Finland’s coastal region.
Tour Highlights
- A five night stay in Finland’s capital city Helsinki at the renowned Hotel Kamp
- A private lecture & tour at the Finnish Museum of Architecture
- Tours of the great eighteenth-century neoclassical compositions of Helsinki’s waterfront including: Market Square, The Kings Gate & The Church of St. Nicholas.
- Visits to such eighteenth-century Gustavian masterpieces as, Pukkila, Mustio, and Louhisaari manors. Architecturally linked to Sweden and erected during Swedish rule of Finland, these manors have their original interiors intact.
- Excursions to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage villages of Porvoo & Rauma. Both retain their historic eighteenth-century town centers, cobbled public squares, and preserved wooden houses from the period.
- Visits to such national icons as Aalto Alvar’s home and studio, along with Hvittrask, the home and studio of Finnish architect, Eliel Saarinen.
- A tour of Aalto Alvar’s renowned Villa Mairea, located in western Finland near the village of Pori and considered as canonical in world architectural history as Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater.”
Tour Price
$3,500.00 per person based on double occupancy, single supplement of $750.00 per person applies. Immediate registration suggested.
Contact Classical Excursions to register, 800-390-5536 or contact@classicalexcursions.com