Administrative and Cultural Centre

The Finnish Lakeland


Jyväskylä's municipal headquarters are located in the block bounded by Vapaudenkatu, Kilpisenkatu and Hannikaisenkatu. The complex includes three buildings designed by Alvar Aalto: the City Theatre (1964–72), Police Headquarters (1967–70) and City Offices (1975–78).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Finnish Lakeland attractions

1. Suomen Käsityön Museo

0.15 MILES

Showcasing the National Costume Centre, which includes regional dress from around Finland, this handicrafts museum has a small permanent collection and…

2. Workers' Club Building

0.26 MILES

This is one of many buildings in Jyväskylä designed by its famous son, Alvar Aalto. Built between 1924 and 25, its a not particularly successful Italian…

3. Keski-Suomen Museo

0.68 MILES

Adjacent to the Alvar Aalto Museo and also designed by him, this museum building was temporarily closed for a major restoration when we last visited. When…

4. Alvar Aalto Museo

0.7 MILES

The town's most famous son and the subject of this museum was a giant of 20th-century architecture. Schooled in Jyväskylä, Aalto opened his first offices…

5. Vitatorni Apartment Tower

0.85 MILES

In one of Jyväskylä's garden suburbs, this apartment block was designed by Alvar Aalto and built in 1962.

6. Säynätsalon Kunnantalo

6.94 MILES

One of Aalto's most admired works, this town hall was conceived as a 'fortress of democracy' and constructed between 1949 and 1952. Its sturdy brick tower…

7. Muuratsalon Koetalo

8.64 MILES

Connected to Säynätsalo by bridges, peaceful Muuratsalo islet was the summer retreat of Alvar and Elissa Aalto. Aalto built his Experimental House – a…

8. Petäjäveden Vanha Kirkko

18.22 MILES

This wonderfully gnarled Unesco-listed wooden church is located in Petäjävesi, 35km west of Jyväskylä. Finished in 1765, it’s a marvellous example of 18th…