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Pohjola Insurance Building: A National Romantic Masterpiece

A stunning example of Finnish National Romantic architecture in Helsinki, adorned with sculptures inspired by Finnish folklore and the Kalevala.

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The Pohjola Insurance Building, located on Aleksanterinkatu, is a prime example of Finnish National Romantic architecture. Built in 1901, its façade is adorned with sculptures inspired by Finnish folklore and the Kalevala epic, making it a unique landmark in Helsinki's city center.

A brief summary to Pohjola Insurance Building

  • Aleksanterinkatu 44, Helsinki, 00100, FI

Local tips

  • Visit during the daytime to best appreciate the intricate details of the building's façade and its many sculptures.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki's main shopping street, to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Explore nearby attractions such as the Helsinki Cathedral and the Ateneum Art Museum, which are within walking distance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Pohjola Insurance Building is located on Aleksanterinkatu 44, in the heart of Helsinki. From the Helsinki Central Railway Station, walk east along Aleksanterinkatu for approximately 10 minutes. The building will be on your right, easily recognizable by its unique architecture and detailed façade.

  • Public Transport

    The Pohjola Insurance Building is easily accessible via Helsinki's efficient public transportation system. Take tram lines 3, 6, or 9 to the Aleksanterinkatu stop, which is directly in front of the building. A single ticket for public transport within Helsinki costs approximately €3.10 and can be purchased via the HSL app or at ticket machines.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Helsinki. A taxi ride from the Helsinki Central Railway Station to the Pohjola Insurance Building typically costs between €10 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi fares start at approximately €1.30 per kilometer.

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Discover more about Pohjola Insurance Building

The Pohjola Insurance Building, situated at Aleksanterinkatu 44 in Helsinki, stands as a testament to Finland's National Romantic architectural style. Completed in 1901, it was designed by Gesellius, Lindgren, and Saarinen, three young architects who won a competition held by the Pohjola Insurance Company. The company, established in 1891, sought a design that would reflect Finnish identity, even stipulating that the street façade be made of Finnish stone. The building's exterior is characterized by rough-hewn soapstone, red granite, and serpentine, embellished with sculptures of vegetation, squirrels, and figures from the Kalevala, Finland's national epic. A corner tower with a pinecone-shaped roof adds to its distinctive silhouette. The facades feature repeating arched showcase windows made of rough-hewn granite, with wooden window frames recessed approximately 50 centimeters to emphasize the ornamentation. The building's design also incorporated modern features for its time, including Swedish-made lifts and an electrical generator. The interior once featured red pine paneling in the service hall, with a central pillar styled to resemble a tree trunk. Throughout the interior, rustic and folklore motifs were employed, including doorways by Erik O. W. Ehrström, iron wheel chandeliers by G. W. Sohlberg, and a circular main stairway with a cast-iron banister featuring pine-tree motifs. The building originally housed both offices and apartments. Today, the ground floor includes commercial spaces, while the upper floors have been adapted for banqueting and other uses. The Pohjola Insurance Building remains a significant landmark, embodying the artistic spirit and ideological atmosphere of the late 19th century. Its unique architectural expression and rich façade decoration, filled with natural and national-romantic motifs, make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and tourists exploring Helsinki.

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