Experience of the Month, Finland
Where Finnish art, design and architecture meet The history of the Kauttua Ironworks can be traced back over 330 years, which makes it one of Finland’s oldest industrial sites. Today, the area is home to hotels, saunas and houses designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, making it a must-visit destination for fans of Finnish architecture, design and art from around the world. By Ndéla Faye
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Photos: Tomi Glad/Glad Media Oy
Located in the Eura region of western Finland, the Kauttua Ironworks area is best known for its architecture; from the red ochre of the ironworks to the modernism of Alvar Aalto, who worked in Kauttua between 1937 and 1946. The iconic Ironworks was built around an iron industry dating back more than 330 years and, in the 20th century, the area also became known for its paper industry. 60
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Issue 160
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November 2023
Today, the Ironworks is home to a vibrant community of around 200 permanent residents and a number of small local businesses. The Ironworks has its own unique atmosphere of a tiny village steeped in history. In addition to the ironworks area itself, visitors can explore the local architecture, art exhibitions, cafés and restaurants, as well as the region’s beautiful nature throughout the year. The new Visitor
Centre is a meeting place for all residents and tourists in Kauttua, and its exhibition presents the history of Kauttua from the birth of the village to the present day. In the summer, the area is a bustling place, with a number of cultural events, including concerts as well as art exhibitions organised in conjunction with Rauma Art Museum. This is a place where visitors get to experience some of Finland’s most iconic architecture, art exhibitions and design first-hand. Tracing the footsteps of Alvar Aalto Kauttua is the place where Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto was given free hands to master his craft. His first