Aalto Centre (Town Hall, Library & Lappia Hall)
Aalto-keskus
A complex of town hall, library and theatre designed by master architect Alvar Aalto. It is the architectural showpiece of Rovaniemi's post-war reconstruction.
The Aalto Centre was designed by Finnish master architect Alvar Aalto and includes Lappia Hall (theatre and conference hall, 1975), the City Library (1965) and the Town Hall (1988). Its white volumes and undulating roofs echo the hills of Lapland, making it a must-see for fans of Nordic modernist architecture. The library is free to enter. Its fan-shaped reading hall and skylights are the most representative features, and it houses a Lapland reference room. The Town Hall and theatre are usually viewed from the outside, or visited when attending a performance. Aalto also created a “reindeer head” plan for the post-war reconstruction of the city, and the street layout can still be recognized on a map. Located in the southern part of the city centre, it is within walking distance and can be visited together with Rovaniemi Church.
Opening hours
Library Mon–Fri about 10:00–19:00; shorter hours on weekends
Nearby sights
- Rovaniemi Church
- Lordi's Square & City Centre
- Korundi House of Culture
- Arktikum
- Pilke Science Centre
- Jätkänkynttilä Bridge
- Ounasvaara
- SantaPark