Helsinki City Hall

Helsinki City Hall
Finnish: Helsingin kaupungintalo
Swedish: Helsingfors stadshus

Helsinki City Hall in 2010
Former names Hotel Seurahuone
General information
Town or city Helsinki
Country Finland
Coordinates 60°10′05″N 24°57′10″E / 60.1681°N 24.9529°ECoordinates: 60°10′05″N 24°57′10″E / 60.1681°N 24.9529°E
Current tenants City of Helsinki
Completed 1833
Renovated 1965–70; 1985–88; 1998–99
Design and construction
Architect Carl Ludvig Engel (original)
Aarno Ruusuvuori (extension)

Helsinki City Hall (Finnish: Helsingin kaupungintalo, Swedish: Helsingfors stadshus) is a central administrative building of City of Helsinki, Finland. The city hall is located in the Kruununhaka district next to Market Square,[1] at address Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13.

History

Completed in 1833, the building originally served as Hotel Seurahuone and was an important cultural facility hosting many premieres.[2] The hotel was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel who also designed the major buildings around the nearby Senate Square.[2] The city purchased the building in 1901 and, after the hotel moved out in 1913, renovated it as a city hall.[2]

Following an architectural competition the City Hall was radically remodeled by architect Aarno Ruusuvuori in 1965–70, replacing many of the old classical interiors and building modern glass-facaded insertions.

Functions

The City Hall hosts the offices of the Mayor of Helsinki and the Deputy Mayors as well as the meeting facilities for the City Council and City Board. The City Council meets on alternate Wednesdays in the Council Chamber.[1]

The building also hosts Virka Info public information service for Helsinki residents which also provides information services for immigrants. In Virka Gallery there are exhibitions, concerts and movie screenings.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "City Hall". City of Helsinki. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Helsinki City Hall". City of Helsinki / University of Helsinki. Retrieved 2 July 2014.