Image: Architecture & Design Museum, Helsinki
The detailed local plans for Helsinki’s Makasiiniranta and Olympiaranta districts, including the site of the planned Museum of Architecture and Design, have become legally binding after no appeals were filed within the statutory appeal period. The plans had been approved by the Helsinki City Council in June and now clear the way for the next stage of a major redevelopment in the South Harbour area.
According to the museum’s announcement, the plans enable one of the most significant urban development projects in central Helsinki. The South Harbour is set to be transformed into an open waterfront city district with a new museum building, an event plaza, an open waterfront promenade and four new commercial buildings developed as part of the Saaret project. The protected Olympia Terminal and Harbour Building are to be adapted for new uses, while Olympiaranta will retain a quay area for visiting cruise ships.
The Architecture and Design Museum said the confirmation of the plans marks a new phase in the project and moves the planned works closer to implementation. The City of Helsinki is responsible for developing the area’s public urban spaces and infrastructure. The new museum building will be carried out by Real Estate Company ADM in cooperation with the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, while Niam is responsible for the Saaret project development.
The museum project was decided through an international design competition won by Helsinki-based JKMM Architects. The anonymous competition drew 624 entries from around the world. The museum describes the winning proposal as bold, user-centred and environmentally conscious, and says it respects the cultural landscape of the South Harbour while creating a new landmark for the area.
Design work on the building is already under way. The museum says construction is expected to begin in early 2028, with the public opening planned for late 2030. The notice also says the next phase of the project will include finalising building designs, advancing permit processes and preparing for construction.
The Saaret project is also moving forward. It is based on a proposal by Niam, Helsinki-based K2S Architects, Swedish firm White Arkitekter and Ramboll, which won a separate quality and concept competition organised by the City of Helsinki. The project is expected to bring new restaurants, accommodation and office spaces to the waterfront promenade.
Until the new museum building is completed, the Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki will continue to present exhibitions, events and experiences at its current premises on Korkeavuorenkatu. In August 2026, it is also due to open a new event venue at Eteläranta 6, which the museum says will serve throughout the construction phase as a meeting place for residents, visitors and partners while presenting the development of the area and the museum project.
