Preserving the essence, enhancing the experience
The renewal of the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is not simply a renovation project, it is a carefully orchestrated reawakening of one of the most treasured cultural landmarks in Helsinki. Originally opened in 1928 as Finland’s first indoor swimming hall, the building carries deep architectural, historical, and emotional significance. The project set out with a clear ambition: to transform the facility into a contemporary service environment while honouring the architecture‘s history and spirit.
At its core, the project redefines what a public swimming hall can be. Rather than focusing solely on physical exercise, the renewed concept positions the hall as a holistic urban retreat – a place where people across generations can pause, reconnect, and experience a shared moment of tranquillity.
© Mikael Pettersson
Opening
February 2026
Location
Helsinki, Finland
Client / Operator
City of Helsinki
Lead architect
NRT, www.arkkitehditnrt.fi
Spatial design
Rune & Berg Design, www.rbdesign.fi