Sara Hildéns art museum
Location Tampere
Hehku (Glow)
Approaching the Finlayson area, one can observe a floating, radiant white structure. It radiates warm light around the building from its minimalist clear glass bottom, the central staircase, and the upper surface with a white and translucent finish.
The new building complements the missing corner of the block, seamlessly continuing the facades of existing structures. The roof is covered with stonecrops, connecting the building to the park of the Finlayson Palace. The design idea of the building revolves around maximal customer experience and functionality within a minimalist exterior.
Access to the museum is through the southern square, known as the “Art Square”, Taidetori. It can be used for exhibitions or events and has direct access via an elevator and stairs from the underground parking. The Art Square extends beneath the building, where the main entrance of the museum is located, offering views of the surroundings. At the entrance, there is a water basin with a fountain that enlivens the entire space through a reflective lower ceiling.
Visitors enter through a glass wall. Clear glass and glass pillars emphasise the connection between the exterior and interior. Upon entry, a view opens up to the high, top-lit space and the sculptural staircase at its centre. This staircase leads to the exhibition spaces on the upper floors. Large exhibition spaces can be redivided with movable walls, allowing for movement within the space to be designed according to the exhibition’s requirements. All natural light can easily be blocked from the spaces, making them suitable for presenting media. Adjacent to the staircase, there is exhibition space for sculptures, a large painting can be displayed on the wall, or a floating artwork can be suspended from the ceiling. The staircase offers views both to the north and south, creating a visual connection between the Finlayson Palace and the former factory headquarters.
The white colour is inspired by the significant light-coloured buildings in the vicinity. Glass is the main material of the building, allowing views from inside to outside, but only a glowing view from outside to inside. Media artworks can be presented on the building’s facade, extending down to the underside of the floating structure at the museum entrance. Through the glass roof, daylight shines playfully on the sculptural staircase, and the interior glows with light against the dark sky.
