Finnish Glass Biennale proves that glass has no limits
Taking place for the first time in June, the Finnish Glass Biennale aims to enhance the appreciation and visibility of glass, internationalise the Finnish glass sector, and strengthen collaboration within the field. The programme is curated in close cooperation with Finland’s national glass network, with renowned Japanese designer Akira Minagawa serving as curator.
Bold and unexpected approaches to glass
The Biennale’s open call attracted nearly fifty proposals, demonstrating the vibrancy of Finland’s glass sector and the demand for an event that celebrates it. The submissions showcase a fresh, boundary-pushing approach to glass, with concepts ranging from glassblowing molds grown from mushroom mycelium, protective clothing made from recycled glass worn by 3D-printed robots, as well as numerous skilfully crafted sculptures, installations, and curated exhibitions.
“Glass is an inspiring material, and its versatility is well demonstrated in these unexpected proposals,” says Hanna Mamia-Walther, Director of the Finnish Glass Museum.
Historic venues with a new purpose
The main event venue will be the Old Riihimäki Glass Factory, a former industrial glassworks that has played a key role in Finnish glass history. The ground floor of the factory will be transformed into a multifaceted exhibition space, featuring a pop-up café and bar, as well as a stage for discussions and encounters. The exhibition architecture is designed by Lauri Johansson.
The programme will also include a workshop where broken glass objects are given new life as unique artworks, a glass engraving demonstration and the highly popular Glass Day, a marketplace for art glass, functional glass, and collectibles.
A celebration of glass across three locations
The Finnish Glas Biennale is more than a single event—it is a journey through Finland’s most renowned glassmaking regions. Riihimäki, home to the Finnish glass museum, has been the centre for Finnish glassmaking since the early 20th century, Iittala is one of Finland’s most internationally recognised design brands and the Iittala Glass Village houses the legendary Iittala Glass Factory, where visitors can experience guided tours, live glassblowing, and design exhibitions. Nuutajärvi is the birthplace of Finland’s oldest glassworks. Dating back to 1793, Nuutajärvi remains an important creative hub for contemporary glass artists.
In Iittala, visitors can tour the glass factory and witness master glassblowers at work. Nuutajärvi will feature a special commissioned artwork series, designed by curator Akira Minagawa in collaboration with glassblower Kaappo Lähdesmäki, which will be a key part of the Biennale’s main exhibition.
The first-ever Finnish Glass Biennale will take place June 5–8, 2025, in Riihimäki, Iittala, and Nuutajärvi. The Biennale is part of Riihimäki’s Glass City development initiative.
The Finnish Glass Biennale is organised by the City of Riihimäki, the Finnish Glass Museum, and Luovi Productions, the founder and producer of Helsinki Design Week and Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale.