Aino & Alvar Aalto @ Vandalorum

This exhibition presents Aino and Alvar Aalto, one of the most important couples in design and architecture of the 20th century

23/5–22/11 2026

Working as equal partners, they developed a design language that weaved together soft organic forms with function and sustainability.

The exhibition features around 200 of their iconic objects — furniture, glass, lamps and unique prototypes — drawn from the Finnish Pertti Männistö’s Aalto collection, the largest in the world of its kind.

Aino Alvar Aalto collection

Aino Marsio-Aalto (1894—1949) trained as an architect in Helsinki. In 1924, she began working in the architectural office of Alvar Aalto and in the same year they married. Aino Aalto distinguished herself early on for her aesthetics, knowledge of materials and craftsmanship. She made significant imprints in modern glass design and co-founded the interior design company Artek in 1935, where she was creative director and later CEO.

Alvar Aalto (1898—1976) was one of the foremost architects of modernism and Finland’s most internationally known representative in the field. He was a pioneer of functionalism but in the late 1930s began to move towards the organic architecture that became the model for generations. He came to perceive his buildings as seamless wholes that also included custom-designed interiors, furniture and fixtures.

The exhibition is based on Kunsthalle Helsinki’s Aallot — Aino and Alvar Aalto with a Collector’s Eye (2022) and AALTO Aino & Alvar at Millesgården Museum (2025-26).

Alvar Aalto, armchair 37, 1936, Pertti Männistö’s collection, photo: Anssi Vaarola

Photo:
Image from the exhibition at Vandalorum, Photo: Patrik Lindell
Alvar Aalto, armchair 37 1936, Pertti Männistö’s collection, photo: Anssi Vaarola
Aino Aalto, floor lamp 607 A 1941, Pertti Männistö collection, photo: Anssi Vaarola
Aino Aalto, Decanter Regional View, 1935, Pertti Männistö’s collection, photo: Elina Männistö
Alvar Aalto, lampe 110 1953, Pertti Männistös collection, photo by Anssi Vaarola
Aino Aalto, recliner 1937-38, Pertti Männistö’s collection, photo: Anssi Vaarala
Alvar Aalto, armchair Paimio 1931-32, Pertti Männistö collection, photo: Anssi Vaarola
Alvar Aalto, ceiling lamp type 1, prototype c 1958, Pertti Männistös collection, photo: Anssi Vaarola
Alvar Aalto, serving trolley 100 1937, photo: Anssi Vaarola