Harri Herrala’s top picks for Helsinki Design Week 2025
Harri Herrala shares his top picks for Helsinki Design Week events. Image: Inga Tammivuori
“I’M A DESIGN DILETTANTE who’s been peeking into the industry from the inside for almost ten years now. Last year, I typed up a post on LinkedIn where, along with sharing my Helsinki Design Week tips, I also pointed out how Finnish design companies often prioritize international events over local ones.
Of course, I do get the value international events can bring at their best.
Still, I said back then that I find it a bit odd how many companies treat global events as more important than what happens at home. They’re willing to fly delegations abroad for several days, book pricey hotels, spend tons of time building programs, and pour big money into trade fair booths, logistics, catering, and entertainment.
Meanwhile, back in our own backyard, Helsinki Design Week and Habitare are seen as fun little happenings – something you might attend if you happen to have time left over after other work.
That’s what I said a little over a year ago. Then came Helsinki Design Week and Habitare 2024, and I realized something had shifted.
Helsinki was buzzing with far more international visitors and design professionals than before. Every day felt packed with energy, and the quality of the exhibitions, events, and talks was simply mind-blowing. In the best way! I really hope this direction continues and that Finnish events carve out their own distinctive angle and voice within the global design scene, cliché as that may sound.
We at Finnish Design Shop have also rolled up our sleeves. This year, we’re putting together a whole series of events that a big group of people has been working hard on for quite some time. Taking part in both Habitare and Helsinki Design Week is our way of showing how significant these events are.
In this piece, I’ve gathered some highlights from both Helsinki Design Week and Habitare that I find especially worth checking out. There’s so much going on that you couldn’t possibly see it all – even if you cleared your schedule completely – and listing everything here wouldn’t make sense either. So apologies in advance if I left out something essential.
Catch you out and about.”
Harri Herrala’s top picks:
Suomitalo will serve as the main venue of Helsinki Design Week in 2025. Image: HDW
Suomitalo
The heart of Helsinki Design Week, where you’ll find not only exhibitions but also meeting spots like a restaurant, the main stage, and a wine bar. This is exactly where the week should kick off.
Suomitalo, Lönnrotinkatu 5, September 5–14
The group exhibition 10 Days of Summer brings together a lineup of contemporary Finnish designers. Image: Sara Urbanski
10 Days of Summer
A group exhibition that premiered in Copenhagen just before Midsummer now makes its way to Helsinki. Showcasing some of the brightest names of the younger design generation, from Rasmus Palmgren and Salla Luhtasela to Aino Michelsen and Antrei Hartikainen.
Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden, September 10–12
Arkken’s showroom transforms into a lively Italian piazza celebrating design and all things kitchen. Image: Arkken
Arkken Design Piazza
Anna Pirkola and Kirsikka Simberg are turning the showroom of kitchen company Arkken into an Italian-style piazza. The concept alone is tempting – and when the description drops “Italo disco,” I’m sold.
Fredrikinkatu 20, September 12–14
The Around a Round exhibition features Iina Kettunen’s Kanto cabinet and Reeta Laine’s Kovera floor lamp. Image: Unto Rautio
Around a Round
Designers Iina Kettunen and Reeta Laine – both of whom I’m a big fan of – have put together an exhibition built around a single theme: the circle. In this first part of the series, they present new works that can be viewed anytime, day or night, through the large windows of the exhibition space in Merihaka.
Hakaniemenranta 30 B, September 6–14
Doodle highlights sketching and coloring as stages of the creative process that often remain unseen. Image: Juho Huttunen
Doodle
In the Doodle exhibition, Helsinki-born, New York–based designer Hanna Anonen highlights a stage of the creative process that usually stays invisible in the final work: the sketch.
2 Steps Gallery, Eerikinkatu 48 D, September 8–12
The Sense of Spirituality exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience through scents, forms, sound, visuals, and discussion. Image: Unto Rautio
The Sense of Spirituality vol. 3
The third and final part of the exhibition series by Susan Elo, Piia Jalkanen, and Anna Pirkola explores the soul and promises to take visitors to other dimensions. The first two chapters didn’t disappoint, and once again Studio Bom provides the perfect stage for some of the most exciting names in Finnish design.
Studio Bom, Suvilahdenkatu 7, September 11–14
The Cucumber Scooter Carnival offers fun activities for the whole family. Image: Museo Leikki
Cucumber Scooter Carnival
The Saturday program at Museo Leikki, right next to EMMA in Espoo, might just be the most joyful event of the entire Helsinki Design Week. This family-friendly happening focuses on toy design, with a special spotlight on the legendary Kurkkumopo. For the uninitiated: Kurkkumopo – literally “Cucumber Scooter” – is a beloved Finnish toy with near-mythical status. And yes, you’ll even get the chance to earn your very own Kurkkumopo driving license!
Museo Leikki, Ahertajantie 3, Espoo, September 13
Habitare Talents showcases four bold voices of a new generation of designers, whose work reflects experimentation and a strong focus on materials. Image: Henri Vogt
Habitare
At Habitare, what excites me most – besides the talks – is the work of young designers. On top of that, I’ll try to squeeze in some time to see what the manufacturers have brought to their stands. From the program, I’m especially looking forward to talks by Petra Börner and Matti Klenell, plus an interview with Laura Seppänen, who designed the Naapurit (Neighbors) area, and Johan Lindau from Blåstation sharing his thoughts on how to move from design fatigue back to the spark that makes you want to design yet another chair.
In terms of highlights, I’d recommend Naapurit along with Habitare Block, where the young designers’ booths are located. Among the manufacturers, I’ll check out as many as I can, but a few worth pointing out in the sea of options are Bebo Objects, Fogia, New Works, and Nikari, whose booth always has the most wonderfully calm atmosphere. And of course, Finnish Design Shop will be there too, at stand 6d40. See you there!
Habitare, Messukeskus, September 10–14
Also worth checking out
Finnish design legend Stefan Lindfors is taking over Kallio’s Post Bar as his stage for the duration of Design Week, while the Open Studios event gives you the chance to step inside designers’ workspaces. And don’t miss Harri Koskinen’s Magnitude exhibition at Galerie Forsblom. It’s definitely worth a stop while you’re already visiting Suomitalo.
Text: Harri Herrala
Finnish Design Shop is a program partner of Helsinki Design Week.
Published on 5 Sep, 2025
