Guggenheim Helsinki is envisioned as a cultural, educational, economic, and tourism hub, offering broad benefits to both the city’s economy and its society. Located in the city-owned South Harbor, the site is ideally positioned to accommodate a wide range of museum visitors and to become a prominent landmark in Helsinki’s built environment. It lies near the city center and a park to the north, fostering urban connectivity.

The design concept emphasizes interaction between art and the public, creating a platform for artists to showcase their work while strengthening the connection between the harbor, the city, and the park. To support this vision, the building is elevated, allowing for uninterrupted flow and visual engagement. At its core, a central courtyard serves as an open-air exhibition space, accessible from all directions to encourage public participation. Responding to its urban context, the building is stretched horizontally rather than vertically, expressing internal circulation through its form. Exposed concrete frames define the structure, providing both the necessary spans for exhibitions and a rhythmic, expressive facade.