Parliament Building

Parliament Building is situated in Töölö area in Helsinki. It´s imposing colonnade looks over Mannerheimintie, the main street in Helsinki, to the Kansalaistori Square and the Central Library Oodi. Parliament Building is the place where the members of parliament elected by Finnish citizens gather.

Johannes Haapasalo’s ceramic sculptures on the first floor corridor of the Parliament Building. Photo: Anders Portman / Kuvatoimisto Kuvio / Parliament of Finland
Johannes Haapasalo’s ceramic sculptures on the first floor corridor of the Parliament Building. Photo: Anders Portman / Kuvatoimisto Kuvio / Parliament of Finland

Parliament Building is an example of 1920s classicism and is a total work of art in which architecture, industrial design, craftsmanship and visual art combine to form a harmonious whole based on the architect’s vision. Johan Sigfrid Sirén (1889-1961) had studied the currents of his era around Europe.

The building was completed in 1931.

In Parliament Building, MPs enact Finnish Law and decide on the state budget. This work takes place in committees and plenary sessions. Parliament has seventeen committees. The Grand Committee focuses mainly on EU affairs and Constitutional Law Committee ensures that new legislation does not violate the fundamental rights of the citizens.

Finnish Parliament is a very open parliament by world standards. Citizens watch plenary sessions on the spot or via webcasts and participate in guided tours to explore the premises. Journalists and photographers accredited to the Finnish Parliament may follow the daily parliamentary work and interview the MPs. The Library of Parliament is open to all citizens.

See exhibition