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Pohjola Insurance Building: A National Romantic Masterpiece

Explore Helsinki's architectural heritage at the Pohjola Insurance Building, a stunning example of Finnish National Romanticism.

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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 features rough-hewn soapstone, red granite, and serpentine, adorned with sculptures inspired by Finnish folklore. This iconic building offers a glimpse into Finland's rich cultural history and architectural innovation.

A brief summary to Pohjola Insurance Building

  • Aleksanterinkatu 44, Helsinki, 00100, FI

Local tips

  • Visit during the daytime to best capture the intricate details of the building's façade with natural light.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Aleksanterinkatu to experience Helsinki's bustling shopping street and other historical buildings.
  • Look for the sculptures inspired by the Kalevala, Finland's national epic, which adorn the building's exterior.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Pohjola Insurance Building is located on Aleksanterinkatu 44, in central Helsinki, making it easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From Helsinki Central Station, walk east along Aleksanterinkatu for approximately 10 minutes. The building will be on your right. This route allows you to enjoy the shops and other architectural attractions along Aleksanterinkatu.

  • Public Transport

    Several tram lines serve the Pohjola Insurance Building. Tram lines 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 all have stops within a short walking distance of the building. Check the HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport) app or website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single AB zone ticket costs €3.20 and is valid for 80 minutes. Tickets can be purchased via the HSL app or from ticket machines at tram stops.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Helsinki. A taxi ride from Helsinki Central Station to the Pohjola Insurance Building typically costs between €10 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi stands are located at the Central Station and along major streets. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Note that taxi fares have a base charge of €5.30 during the day and €8.30 during nights and weekends, plus a kilometer tariff.

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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 served as the headquarters for the Pohjola Insurance Company, the first Finnish-language fire insurance company. The building's name, "Pohjola," is derived from the mythical land in the Finnish epic Kalevala, adding to its cultural significance. The architectural firm Gesellius, Lindgren & Saarinen designed the building, incorporating rough-hewn soapstone, red granite, and serpentine into the façade. Sculptures of vegetation, squirrels, and figures from the Kalevala adorn the exterior, reflecting Finland's natural and mythological heritage. The corner tower, topped with a pinecone-shaped roof, is a distinctive feature. The building's exterior may have been influenced by contemporary American buildings, such as Henry Hobson Richardson's Cheney Building and Louis Sullivan's Auditorium Building. The interior once featured red pine panelling in the service hall, with a central pillar styled to resemble a tree trunk. The building also incorporated modern innovations for its time, including Swedish-made lifts and an electrical generator. The building originally housed flats on its upper floors. Today, the Pohjola Insurance Building remains a significant landmark on Aleksanterinkatu, contributing to the street's vibrant atmosphere and architectural appeal.

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