The legally binding plans enable one of the most significant urban development projects in central Helsinki. The South Harbour area will be transformed into an open and vibrant waterfront city district. The new Museum of Architecture and Design will be framed by an inviting event plaza, an open waterfront promenade, and four new commercial buildings developed as part of the Saaret project. The protected Olympia Terminal and Harbour Building will be adapted for new uses, while Olympiaranta will retain a quay area for visiting cruise ships.
The confirmation of the plans marks a historic new phase in the development of Helsinki’s South Harbour area and moves the planned projects closer to implementation. The City of Helsinki is responsible for developing the area's public urban spaces and infrastructure. The construction of the new Museum of Architecture and Design will be carried out by Real Estate Company ADM in cooperation with the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, while Niam is responsible for the Saaret project development.
“It’s wonderful that the detailed local plans for Makasiiniranta and Olympiaranta have now become legally binding. The South Harbour will be developed into an open and vibrant city district that will help advance Helsinki’s maritime centre. In the future, the high-quality architecture, culture, services, and public urban spaces of Makasiiniranta and Olympiaranta will form a cohesive whole that enhances Helsinki’s appeal from the perspective of both residents and international visitors,” states the Mayor of Helsinki Daniel Sazonov.
“This is yet another historic milestone in the realisation of the new Museum of Architecture and Design. We warmly thank everyone involved in the project for their excellent cooperation, uncompromising planning and open, and at times critical, dialogue throughout the competition and decision-making process. The confirmation of the plan gives us the opportunity to create a new international meeting place in Helsinki that will showcase Finnish architecture and design to the world,” says Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, which is leading the museum project.
An international design competition was organised for the museum’s new building and was won by the Helsinki-based architectural practice JKMM Architects. The anonymous competition attracted 624 entries from around the world. The bold, user-centred and environmentally-conscious building respects the cultural landscape of the South Harbour while creating a new landmark for the area.
Design work on the building is in progress, and construction is expected to begin in early 2028. The museum is scheduled to open to the public in late 2030.
Saaret complements the transformation of Makasiiniranta
At the same time, the Saaret project is also progressing. The project is based on a proposal by Niam, Helsinki-based K2S Architects, Swedish architectural firm White Arkitekter and Ramboll,, which won a separate quality and concept competition organised by the City of Helsinki. The project will bring new restaurants, accommodation and office spaces to the maritime urban environment along the open waterfront promenade.
”The design of the Saaret project’s office buildings respects the history of the area and its surroundings while taking advantage of the opportunities offered by modern construction technology. Our objective is to build an inspiring and sustainable urban environment while also developing unique work- and customer environments for the building’s users that meet today’s needs. Now that the plan has become legally binding, we can move forward with implementation planning in collaboration with the city and the museum project,” says Antti Muilu, Niam's Country Manager responsible for developing the Saaret project.
The next phase of the projects includes finalising building designs, advancing permit processes and preparing for construction. Schedules will be updated as the projects progress.
Before construction begins, the City of Helsinki will carry out preparatory works in the South Harbour area, including ground remediation, site preparation and reinforcement of quayside structures.
Until the completion of the new museum building, the Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki will continue to offer exhibitions, events and experiences at its current premises on Korkeavuorenkatu.
Also, in August 2026, the museum will open a new event venue at Eteläranta 6. Throughout the construction phase, the venue will serve as a meeting place for the city’s residents, visitors and partners, while presenting the development of the area and the museum project.
More information about the museum’s programme and the new museum building is available at admuseo.fi