On Tuesday the Solomon R. Guggenheim inoundation announced that Moreau Kusunoki architects office from Paris has been selected as the winning design proposal for the Helsinki Guggenheim Museum.

Running an open call for the project for the first time, the foundation received an overwhelming response of 1,715 entries from 77 countries.

Details from the winning design
Photo: Design Guggenheim Helsinki

The museum design is characterized by a cluster of low-rise galleries with a strong Japanese influence and is offset by a tall tower.

The building will be situated between the city’s South Harbor and Observatory Park. A footbridge will connect the greenery with the museum. The structure’s local wood and glass materials will ensure that the project contains a strong Finnish character.

Rendering of a gallery in the planned museum
Photo: Design Guggenheim Helsinki

In a statement the jury announced that they “found the design deeply respectful of the site and setting, creating a fragmented, non-hierarchical, horizontal campus of linked pavilions where art and society could meet and inter-mingle. The connections between the pavilions have been well considered to permit a continuous gallery experience.”

Design blueprints of the entire structure
Photo: Design Guggenheim Helsinki

Architects Nicolas Moreau and Hiroko Kusunoki added, “We are delighted and honored to have been selected from among 1,715 entries. We are happy to share this victory with all the people we work with: our staff, our partners, and our clients. This great adventure brought us energy, joy, and dreams. The adventure now continues with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the people of Helsinki, and lovers of architecture and art.”

Rendering of the museum restaurant with view of the harbor
Photo: Design Guggenheim Helsinki

It remains to be seen if the design appeases the local art community who have been highly critical of the Guggenheim project since the get-go.