Simple, Good, Undecorated Things – Modern Finnish Design Heads to the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, Washington

The Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, Washington presents Finland: Designed Environments March 12 to July 26, 2015 –

In a 1957 speech in London, celebrated Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto said, “We should work for simple, good, undecorated things, but things which are in harmony with the human being and organically suited to the little man in the street.” Aalto’s designs and the other examples of Finnish design are celebrated as much for their humanist philosophy as their clean, modern style in Finland: Designed Environments. Finnish design stands apart from other design sensibilities not just because the objects are beautiful, but because through their enduring, efficient work, Finnish designers encourage thoughtful consumerism in a wasteful world.

“After the success of last summer’s exhibition on Danish Modern furniture, we are pleased to continue the conversation about the value of excellent design here at the Nordic Heritage Museum,” said CEO Eric Nelson, “Seattle is a city full of creative talent and new industries that thrive on good design, and so we are particularly excited to bring this exhibition to Seattle.”

Finland: Designed Environments examines the explosion of creativity in Finnish design, craft, and architecture over the past fifteen years. Examples of furnishings, fashion, and craft, as well as architecture and urbanism, illustrate how nearly every aspect of Finnish life incorporates thoughtful design thinking—from city streets and summer homes to fashion and food—and is marked by sensitivity to form and material. The exhibition employs a broader definition of “design” that goes beyond products and spaces to include processes and new applications of the values of Finnish design. The exhibition comes to use from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. This is the first significant U.S. museum presentation since the 1990s to examine contemporary Finnish design.

The Nordic Heritage Museum is honored to be joined by Mrs. Ritva Koukku-Ronde, the Ambassador of Finland to the United States, who will formally open the exhibition and make some brief remarks at the Member Preview and Press Preview on March 11. The Nordic Heritage Museum is also pleased to partner with the Seattle Symphony this spring, as they present the music of Jean Sibelius, a Finnish composer, in conjunction with the exhibition.
Related Programs:

Member Preview & Press Preview
Wednesday, March 11 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a preview of the exhibition the evening before it opens to the public. We’re honored to be joined by Mrs. Ritva Koukku-Ronde, the Ambassador of Finland to the United States, who will formally open the exhibition and make some brief remarks. Nordic Heritage Museum Members and press are invited.

Nordic Nights
Thursday, April 2, 4:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m
Join us at the Museum as we launch a brand-new after hours program, Nordic Nights. On the first Thursday of the month we will keep all Museum galleries open until 8PM. The Nordic Nights will feature music, food, tours, programs and more. Stay tuned for more information on our website.

Pecha Kucha: Designing the Body
Thursday, April 16, 6:30 p.m.
Suggested donation $5
The Nordic Heritage Museum is pleased to announce a PechaKucha event in support of the exhibition Finland: Designed Environment. PechaKucha Seattle comes to the Museum to discuss Nordic design in its unique 20×20 fashion. Participating presenters will be announced as the date nears. First formed in Tokyo in 2003, this 20×20 format features simple presentations of 20 images shown for 20 seconds accompanying presenters’ talks. These informal and fun gatherings have since spread around the world. No-host bar and refreshments provided by the Museum.

Sponsors for Finland: Designed Enviornments include Artsfund, 4Culture, the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, Scan│Design Foundation, and the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation.

About the Nordic Heritage Museum: With over 65,000 visitors annually, the Nordic Heritage Museum is a cultural treasure in the Pacific Northwest. It is the only museum in the United States that represents the cultural heritage of all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The Museum’s mission is to share Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds by exhibiting art and objects, preserving collections, providing educational and cultural experiences and serving as a community gathering place. The Nordic Heritage Museum presents a wide range of vibrant programs including contemporary art exhibitions, outstanding concerts, lectures and films and a variety of special events throughout the year.

Museum hours: Tues-Sat 10 am to 4 pm; Sun 12 noon to 4 pm; Mon closed
Admission: $8 general; $7 seniors & college students; $6 children over 5 years;
FREE for children 5 and under and Museum members; free on first Thursdays

The Museum is located at 3014 NW 67th Street, Seattle, WA 98117. Please visit: www.nordicmuseum.org

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