Kumma: Helsinki’s New Museum of Architecture and Design

In Helsinki’s South Harbor, rising along the edge of water and historic surroundings, stands a new building: the Museum of Architecture and Design Helsinki, known simply as Kumma. Although its construction has just begun, its façade, presence, and the way its lines play with light already make it a striking addition to the city’s skyline. More than just a museum, Kumma is designed as a meeting point for architecture and design, aiming to offer visitors not only a visual but also an emotional experience.

An Inspiring Space: Two Museums Under One Roof

The museum brings together two of Finland’s most important institutions: the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum Helsinki. Sketches, models, objects, and photographs will now be displayed in a single space, curated to complement each other. This union is more than just merging collections under one roof; it creates a creative environment where visitors can interact, learn, and find inspiration. Kumma serves as a reminder that the space itself is a living experience.

Architecture Opening to the World from Finland

The project was designed by JKMM Architects, a firm that has made its mark both in Finland and internationally since 1998. Known for award-winning projects such as Amos Rex and the National Museum of Finland, the team is recognized for designs that are simple yet powerful, and sensitive to human scale and context. Prestigious awards like the Finlandia Architecture Prize demonstrate that the firm does more than design buildings, it transforms a way of thinking into space.

Where Modern Rhythm Meets Context

Spanning approximately 10,050 square meters, Kumma presents a respectful presence along the waterfront while introducing a modern rhythm to its surroundings with its wave-shaped form. The design demonstrates meticulous attention to sustainability, light, and material use. In the competition, the jury praised the project both for its harmony with the context and its accessibility to public spaces. Iconic yet understated, contemporary yet deeply rooted in its setting, this approach reflects JKMM’s design philosophy.

More Than Seeing: Feeling and Experiencing

The museum engages visitors not only through the works on display but also through the space itself. Its interior layout connects with people through natural light, openness, and textures. Terraces, public areas, and the design library ensure that the space serves not just as an exhibition venue, but as a place for gathering, conversation, and learning. JKMM’s approach reminds us that architecture exists not only to be seen, but to be felt.

Scheduled to open in 2030, Kumma will not only add a new line to Helsinki’s skyline but also serve as a reference point representing Finland’s architecture and design culture on the international stage. The project stands out as a building that carries the city’s cultural memory into the future, uniting ideas and aesthetics. Rising along Helsinki’s waterfront, Kumma is set to become a cultural center that offers visitors both inspiration and experience.

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