The Finnish Glass Biennale presents vanishing craftsmanship, industrial history, robotics, unicorns – and Sun Bottles
The first-ever Finnish Glass Biennale offers a rich and surprising experience for creative professionals and anyone passionate about glass art or cultural tourism. June 5 to 8, glass and creativity will be celebrated in Riihimäki, Nuutajärvi, and Iittala. The Old Glass Factory in Riihimäki serves as the main venue.
The Finnish Glass Biennale invites audiences to experience the unexpected and explore the boundaries of Finnish glass and design. International visitors are encouraged to discover innovations in glass technology and attend a seminar highlighting the versatility of glass as a material. The programme includes expert-led tours, curated exhibitions, live demonstrations, the Glassblowing World Championship, and a vintage glass market designed to appeal to both seasoned collectors and a younger audience.
The Biennale will culminate in a featured showcase by Japanese designer Akira Minagawa, titled “Historical Works of Finnish Glass Artists – From Art to Everyday Life”. The exhibition spotlights pieces from the collection of The Finnish Glass Museum. Minagawa has also designed a unique glass artwork, created in collaboration with glassblower Kaappo Lähdesmäki in Nuutajärvi.
“The programme of the Finnish Glass Biennale is more than the sum of its parts – it’s unexpected, unique, and boundary-breaking. I’m convinced this event will gain new passionate friends for glass and open up exciting opportunities for artists and professionals in the field. And the Old Glass Factory is coming back to life! That’s something many of us never thought we’d witness again,” says Hanna Mamia-Walther, Director of The Finnish Glass Museum.
Works selected for the main exhibition through an open call include pieces by Arni Aromaa, EGS, Matias Karsikkaa, Konsta Klemetti, Aleksi Puustinen, Janne Rahunen, Helmi Remes, Kimmo Reinikka, Sauli Suomela, Henri Timperi, and Tommi Toija.
Fresh perspectives from young and innovative talents are presented in a joint exhibition of students from various art and design schools, including Aalto University. Renowned chef Markus Aremo will delight visitors with a pop-up glass bar, while a vibrant outdoor stage will feature daily live programming.
A Symbolic Union and Overflowing Joy
Just a few steps away from the Old Glass Factory, two exhibitions by leading female artists will open at The Finnish Glass Museum. Tamara Aladin’s work showcases a striking fusion of aesthetic minimalism and bold colour, while Jasmin Anoschkin presents a vibrant celebration of joy and femininity. The museum will also host a children’s programme, inviting young visitors to discover the animal-themed glass art collection featuring whimsical birds, fawns, and unicorns.
On Sunday, the museum courtyard will come alive with the hugely popular Glass Day sales event, organised by the Friends of the Finnish Glass Museum association. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the association will mark the milestone by commissioning the production of 500 Sun Bottles designed by Helena Tynell – with visitors invited to witness the glassblowing process live.
Glass Route for Travellers – Biennale experiences in Nuutajärvi and Iittala
The Finnish Glass Biennale is a key part of Riihimäki’s Glass City project, which celebrates and promotes the region’s rich glassmaking heritage. A new “Glass Route” is in development to guide visitors through a cultural journey spanning Nuutajärvi and Iittala –two iconic hubs of Finnish glass.
In Iittala, the 110th anniversary of legendary designer Tapio Wirkkala will be marked with panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and guided tours. The Iittala Factory viewing platform will reopen to the public, featuring a collaborative display by Czech glass artist Zdeněk Kunc alongside the master glassmakers of Iittala.
Meanwhile, in Nuutajärvi, the international glassblowing workshop will welcome artists Jenni Sorsa and Hungary’s Balázs Telegdi. Visitors can also explore a retrospective exhibition at the Prykäri Glass Museum, showcasing five decades of work by pioneering designer Kerttu Nurminen.
Finland – A Design Nation with Glass at Its Heart
A group of Finnish glass enthusiasts from diverse professional backgrounds has been invited to serve as advisors to the inaugural Biennale. Throughout the spring, they have contributed insights and expertise to help shape the event’s vision and programme.
Jyrki Kippola, board member of the Friends of the Finnish Glass Museum, shares his pride in the Biennale’s launch:
“Finland is known as a design nation–though perhaps more so among experts than the general public. Glass has played a central role in that story. One could even say that glass art has helped shape our national identity. It has shown the world that a small country can create something truly unique and distinctive,” Kippola says.
“Art and design offer people a tangible way to experience our culture–through beauty, skill, and storytelling. We have a strong foundation, and enormous potential to share it with a wider audience.”
Finnish Glass Biennale, June 5–8, 2025. Pre-programme begins June 2.
Organised by the City of Riihimäki, The Finnish Glass Museum, and Luovi Productions, the founder and producer of Helsinki Design Week and the Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale.