Artek

The Artek store in Helsinki has been dedicated to promoting a contemporary culture of living for 80 years. Among the very first design stores with a true cultural dimension worldwide, the Artek store has had a profound influence on shaping Finland's extraordinary "everyday design culture" while introducing Finnish design to numerous visitors from abroad. An original product selection paired with novel exhibition formats for both art and design have been central to the Artek store's success. With the new store location, Artek Helsinki returns geographically to its roots. The new retail space is located in a building designed by Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1921, situated on Helsinki's main pedestrian street Keskuskatu just opposite the Stockmann department store. The Artek store is surrounded by emblematic Finnish architecture from the 20th century. It is flanked by two Aalto buildings, the Rautatalo (Iron House), which housed the Artek store between 1954 and 1991, and the Academic Bookstore. Now on two storeys, Artek Helsinki offers a design experience of 700 square metres. Artek's own collection of furniture, lighting and accessories can be discovered in its entirety.