Helsinki Design Week @ Kanavaranta design by Alvar Aalto

Helsinki Design Week’s main venue changes annually. For the ten days, this year’s location will be at Kanavaranta 1. This iconic building, known as “The Sugar Cube” was designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1962. During Helsinki Design Week, it will be open to the public for the first time.

There will be no exhibitions at the main venue this year – the top floors of the building will be dedicated to brainstorming and exchange of ideas. Restaurant Kuurna has been invited to cater on the top floor, and visitors can expect delicious dinners in intimate cabinets with the best views to the city. Located on Meritullinkatu since 2005, Kuurna is known for its high quality offering regarding both food and beverages as well as service. The booking calendar for their pop-up restaurant is open to the public.

At the moment the restaurant is full booked. Some extra tables will be available for booking on Friday 26 August at 12 (Finnish Time) here.

Next to the restaurant, there will be a wine bar where a series of Weekly Talks will address interesting design and architectural topics.

In addition to parties and discussion events, Kanavaranta 1 will be introduced via guided tours.

Sign up for the tours here. Please note that the registration is personal.For group tour inquiries, please contact us at communications@helsinkidesignweek.com.

Guided tours

Friday 2 September
at 15:00 -15:45 FI (Full)
at 16:00 -15:45 ENG

Saturday 3 September
at 15:00 -15:45 FI (Full)
at 16:00 -15:45 ENG

Sunday 4 September
at 15:00 -15:45 FI (Full)
at 16:00 -15:45 ENG

Thursday 8 September
Klo 15:00 -15:45  FI (Full)
Klo 16:00 – 16:45 ENG

Friday 9 September
Klo 15:00 -15:45  FI (Full)
Klo 16:00 – 16:45 ENG

Saturday 10 September
Klo 15:00 -15:45  FI (Full)
Klo 16:00 – 16:45 ENG

GENERAL INFORMATION

Opening hours

Helsinki Design Week’s main venue is open from 2 to 10 September from 16 to 22 hours at Kanavaranta 1.
Artek Wine bar is open 16–22 and 4 September at 16-20
Kuurna x HDW restaurant is open 18–22. Restaurant Kuurna is closed 4 September.
Table booking to the restaurant via booking calendar here. No table reservations are required for the wine bar.

How to reach the main venue

You can reach Kanavaranta 1 located very close to the market square, the Presidential Palace and the Uspenski Cathedral by the sea in the district of Katajanokka by foot or by trams number 4 (Ritarihuone), 2 (Senate Square) and 7 (Hallituskatu). The nearest city bike terminal is at Kanavaranta and the nearest parking facility in Kluuvi.

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