Finland's most awarded architectural firm took the win – the new AD Museum will be built based on JKMM Architects' desgin

JKMM Architects’ winning proposal in the international design competition for the new Architecture and Design Museum is titled Kumma. The competition sought a design for a museum building of approximately 10,000 m² to be constructed in Helsinki’s historic South Harbour. The goal is to create a setting suitable for a world-class museum.

The two-stage competition, which began in April 2024, culminated in the announcement of the results at Helsinki City Hall on 11 September 2025.

The jury's decision was unanimous

According to the chair of the jury, architect Mikko Aho, Kumma blends into the cityscape, protecting valuable views of the historic waterfront, while at the same time standing out as a recognizable landmark. In this cultural landscape, the valuable views from Tähtitorninvuori toward the Market Square and Katajanokka are preserved. The use of recycled brick on the facade brings sculptural, architectural warmth and the terrace surrounding the building strengthens the connection to the city.

“The winning proposal, which is perceived as monumental and angular, is intended to be developed in a more approachable direction. We and the design team share the view that climate-smart solutions are at the heart of further development,” Aho says.

Samuli Miettinen, founding partner of JKMM and chief designer of Kumma, highlights the project's human and communal dimensions.

“I hope that the planning and realization of the new Museum of Architecture and Design can show the way for how new things can be built responsibly and with skill. Architecture and design are deeply human – they are born from dreams and longing, and they gain their meaning in the places where we can experience and live together," says Miettinen.

The international design competition received 624 proposals from around the world. About a fifth of the proposals came from Finland. After Finland, the most represented countries were Italy, the USA, France and the UK.

The second prize was awarded to the City, Sea and Sky entry by Cossement Cardoso, based in Portugal and Belgium. Third prize was awarded to Lopes Brenna, an architectural practice based in Chiasso, Switzerland, for its entry, Moby. The jury awarded fourth prize to the Tyrsky design completed by a collective of Finnish architects. A purchase option was made to secure the TAU design by the French practice, Atelier Orda.

A practice renowned for its cultural projects

In addition to chief designer Samuli Miettinen, the team behind the winning proposal included JKMM Architects' other founding partners Asmo Jaaksi, Teemu Kurkela, and Juha Mäki-Jyllilä, as well as architect Samuli Summanen. The practice was awarded a prize of €60,000 for the winning proposal.

In the next phase, Kumma will be developed into an implementable design in collaboration with the museum’s various user groups and experts in sustainable construction. The goal is for the new museum, to be built on the Makasiiniranta site in Helsinki’s South Harbour, to open to the public in 2030.

JKMM Architects, founded in 1998 following their winning entry in the Turku Main Library architecture competition, is especially known for its numerous library and cultural buildings. Notable projects include the Amos Rex art museum and Dance House Helsinki, the Chappe Art Museum in Tammisaari, and the Apila Library in Seinäjoki. The firm is currently constructing an extension to the National Museum of Finland – also the result of a competition win.