Empire architecture is at the heart of Helsinki’s cityscape. The public buildings designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel (1778–1840) in the early 19th century have cemented their position as Helsinki’s most famous and enduring symbols, and his work uniquely encompassed the planning and construction of an entire capital city.
The historical core of Helsinki was created during the construction of the capital city in the early 19th century under the leadership of Carl Ludvig Engel. These Empire-style public buildings and urban structure have remained intact and serve as compelling evidence of the history of a nation in the making. They form the foundation upon which the city’s later layers have been built.
Empire – Kiven ja valon Helsinki presents the architectural heritage of the Empire period from the perspectives of phenomena, architecture and the environment. It provides a comprehensive expert overview of urban construction during the Empire period. The book’s rich illustrations draw the reader’s attention to the rich design language of the Empire style.
The book’s author, architect Mikko Lindqvist, works at the Helsinki City Museum as an expert in building conservation and the cultural environment in Helsinki. He has taught architectural history at the Open University of Helsinki, and researched and written about Helsinki’s historical layers in his work.
Petteri Kummala, from the Architecture and Design Museum, will interview Mikko Lindqvist on the Arabia stage at the Helsinki Book Fair on Saturday, 25 October, at 17.30–18.00.
In addition to this, the Helsinki City Museum will host its own book release event (in Finnish) on Thursday, 6 November, at 17.00–18.30. The book’s authors, architect Mikko Lindqvist and photographer Yehia Eweis, will be present to discuss the book. The discussion will be facilitated by Head of Research Minna Sarantola-Weiss. Admission to the event is free, and you can also follow the live broadcast on the Helsinki City Museum’s YouTube channel.
The book, as well as the 2026 calendar and the cardboard model kit of Senate Square inspired by it, are available for purchase at the museum shop – perfect as a Father’s Day gift!
