Lasipalatsi Square: Helsinki's Urban Heart

Lasipalatsi Square, or Lasipalatsinaukio, is a bustling urban space in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. This central square serves as a meeting point and a cultural landmark, showcasing a blend of architectural heritage and contemporary city life. The square is named after the Lasipalatsi building, a functionalist masterpiece designed in the 1930s by young architects Viljo Revell, Heimo Riihimäki, and Niilo Kokko. Originally intended as a temporary structure, the Lasipalatsi was built in 1936 in anticipation of the 1940 Olympic Games, which were ultimately cancelled due to World War II. The building housed offices, restaurants, and the Bio Rex cinema, one of the city's largest film theaters at the time. Over the decades, the Lasipalatsi faced the threat of demolition but was eventually protected and renovated in the 1990s. Today, Lasipalatsi Square is known for the unique concrete-tiled mounds that dot its surface. These mounds are part of the underground Amos Rex Art Museum, which opened in 2018. The museum's design connects the historical Lasipalatsi with modern exhibition spaces beneath the square. The square hosts various events throughout the year, including outdoor markets, art exhibitions, and concerts. Its central location provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the Ateneum Art Museum and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.