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Helsinki Asks for a Guggenheim

Helsinki Asks for a Guggenheim

The Guggenheim could be headed to the land of a thousand lakes. Helsinki’s Mayor Jussi Pajunen announced today that the city is commissioning the venerable museum to conduct a concept and development study to be completed by the end of the year to determine the potential museum’s economic impact and mission.


Citing major development gains in recent years, city leaders hope to cash in on the international recognition of the Guggenheim that could spur their own Bilbao-effect.”It is widely recognized that cultural destinations can help drive economic growth for a country,” said Mayor Pajunen in a release. “This is a collaboration that can help Helsinki and Finland prosper in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.”

Beyond mere finances, though, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the Helsinki are in search of a museum for the 21st century capable of international sharing. The Guggenheim’s Richard Armstrongsays, “For the Guggenheim, this study with Finland is a very compelling opportunity to continue our investigations into the possibilities of global interchange”

Once complete, the study’s recommendations must be reviewed by both Helsinki and the Guggenheim Foundation before any architecture is involved.

[ Original photo courtesy Paul Allais/flickr. ]


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