Iraqi Embassy in Helsinki among buildings to be opened to public in September

Third OpenHouseHelsinki event will be arranged on 10th to 12th September

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The OpenHouseHelsinki architectural event, which allows people to visit historic buildings and other destinations of architectural interest normally off-limits to the general public, will be organised for the third time in September.
      One of the more interesting buildings to open its doors to the public this year has to be the Iraqi Embassy.
      The structure situated in the Kulosaari district of Helsinki is said to be the most beautiful Iraqi-style building outside the country itself.
      The white building designed by an Iraqi architect was completed in 1980 and it has just undergone a major renovation.
     
The Norwegian and German embassies also plan to open their doors to the public. The Norwegian Embassy in the villa section of the Eira district has even basked in the questionable glory of having often been voted the ugliest building in the Finnish capital.
      “The inside of the building, however, is absolutely wonderful, and from there one has excellent views over Eira”, explains the producer of the event Meri Louekari.
     
All the visits are free of charge, but in contrast with the situation in previous years, this year visitors will have to acquire tickets in advance for the tours they want to take part in.
      The OpenHouseHelsinki happening will take place between September 10th and 12th and will be organised by the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA), together with the Helsinki Design Week and the Helsinki City Planning Department.
      Tickets for the tours can be obtained from the Virka Info point at the Helsinki City Hall or from the City Planning Department’s information and exhibition space Laituri, in the Narinkkatori Square (in front of the Kamppi Center shopping mall).


Links:
  Helsinki Design Week – OpenHouseHelsinki

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