Alvar Aalto Week, August 21–30, invites us to celebrate Oulu’s unique architectural legacy

The Alvar Aalto Week will be organized in Oulu on August 21–30, 2026. The event week offers residents and visitors an opportunity to explore buildings and constructed environments in Oulu built according to Alvar Aalto’s design through diverse events, exhibitions, tours, and seminars. This year’s theme is “Traces”. 

There are three areas in Oulu designed by Aalto 

In Oulu, there are three areas based on Alvar Aalto’s designs: the old cellulose mill area in Toppila, the street plan area in Koskikeskus, and the Typpi Oy’s industrial community in Laanila. The areas are connected by their industrial nature and their significance to Oulu’s evolution and modernization. 

The city of Oulu is a member of the international Alvar Aalto city network coordinated by the Alvar Aalto Foundation. All cities and municipalities that include significant architecture designed by Alvar Aalto are invited into the network.  

Numerous events during the week 

Several events regarding Alvar Aalto, architecture, constructed environments, and cultural heritage will be organized in Oulu during the week. For example, there will be guided walking tours, exhibitions, dialogue events, seminars, drawing workshops, and architecture presentations. Nearly all events are free of charge. 

Visitors are expected to arrive to Oulu from all over Finland and the world. The Alvar Aalto week brings together both professionals and hobbyists in the fields of architecture, cultural environment, design, and building heritage. The week offers a unique chance to explore the less popular Aalto attractions in Oulu and their significance to Finnish architectural heritage. The information desk in the Market Hall will be selling Alvar Aalto -themed products. The Alvar Aalto Week is organized for the tenth time this year. The week’s events are part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme. 

Read more here: Alvar Aalto Week.