The exhibition of the Museum of Finnish Architecture shows the use of wood in modern Finnish architecture. The exhibition premiered at the 2004 Venice Biennale in the Alvar Aalto-designed Finnish pavilion. After being on view in Helsinki in 2005, the exhibition embarked on an international tour. Venues for the exhibition have included the Hagia Sofia Museum in Istanbul, the Middle East Technical University in Ankara and the Scandinavia House in New York.

“From Wood to Architecture” presents 17 buildings showing the diversity of function, scale and context as well as approaches to construction and surface treatment. All buildings are located in Finland. The spectrum ranges from church buildings to cultural centres and summer houses. Some buildings harken back to traditional methods of architecture, while others offer new, daring solutions. All show boldness and confidence in handling the oldest building material – wood. New visions become apparent about the possibilities inherent in this warm, natural material.

The exhibition was conceived and organised under the aegis of the Museum of Finnish Architecture, directed by Severi Blomstedt. Roy Mänttäri is curator and architect of the exhibition.

An exhibition in cooperation with the Embassy of Finland, the Finland Institute in Germany, the Wood Sales Fund (Bonn) and the Wood in Culture Association (Helsinki).