Textile Artist Maija Lavonen and Architect Marie-José Van Hee Captivate with Their Quiet Elegance at Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki
The Architecture and Design Museum in Helsinki will showcase the life´s work of the esteemed and beloved Finnish textile artist Maija Lavonen (1931–2023) in an unprecented scope. Thanks to a significant archival donation, Lavonen’s creative process and deep artistic thinking will be revealed in a fresh light. Opening simultaneously, a solo exhibition of Marie-José Van Hee will offer a rare opportunity to experience a home designed by internationally acclaimed Belgian architect in its original scale.
Maija Lavonen – Quietly Monumental
31.1.–14.9.2025
In my work, I seek a human message in the hope of offering something to the weary. I want to convey the movement of summer light over the sea, the song of the waves, the reddish hues of rocky islets, the burn of the sun, and the warmth of stones beneath slowly drifting clouds.
– Maija Lavonen, 1984
Maija Lavonen (1931–2023) was a pioneering figure in Finnish textile art, elevating textiles as a medium and expanding it into spatial works of art.
Starting her career as a clothing and printed fabric designer, Lavonen founded Poppi Boutique in Helsinki in 1968, a cutting-edge venture at the intersection of fashion and visual art. In the 1970s, she transitioned to becoming a full-time textile artist and soon emerged as a leading figure during the golden age of Finnish textile art in the 1980s, particularly known for her works in public spaces. One of her most famous pieces, Nature as Source, can be seen at the Ministry of the Interior.
Lavonen was a master of simplicity, with a unique ability to capture the harmony of nature and the movement of light in fabric. She approached her art with curiosity, continuously experimenting to refine her expressive methods. Bold innovations – such as incorporating stone, steel, and optical fibres into her textile work – combined with a deep respect for craftsmanship, made her an inspiration to future generations of designers and artists.
Maija Lavonen – Quietly Monumental is a one-of-a-kind exhibition in its scale, highlighting Lavonen’s artist archive, which was acquired by the Design Museum in November 2023. Alongside archival material, the collections of the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture feature over 20 of Lavonen’s unique textile works and printed fabrics. Additionally, the exhibition will feature works on loan from other collections and private individuals.
Marie-José Van Hee – For Sun and Wind to Paint on
7.2.–14.9.2025
This spring, the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki will host an exhibition dedicated to the delicate and nuanced architecture of internationally acclaimed Belgian architect Marie-José Van Hee. The exhibition invites visitors to explore part of a home designed by Van Hee, with its main living area recreated in full-scale dimensions. Offering a serene contrast to the bustle of the city, Van Hee invites you to step into a peaceful, understated space, experience it with all your senses and explore highlights from her oeuvre.
In Marie-José Van Hee’s architecture, a profound understanding of place merges with human-scale design, while subtle materials find their role in insightful spatial arrangements. After initial sketches thoughtfully adapted to the site, the desired outcome explored through hand-drawn sketches emerges gradually. The result is surprising and unexpected, with interior and exterior spaces closely intertwined.
Marie-José Van Hee, who has had a long and distinguished architectural career, graduated from the Sint-Lucas School of Architecture in 1974. She established her architectural practice in Ghent in 1990. Her work spans from private homes to public spaces and cultural buildings. Van Hee has also been a visiting professor and critic at several universities. Her exceptional dedication to designing environments for everyday life has earned her numerous prestigious accolades, most recently the Alvar Aalto Medal in August 2024.
