Architecture
Villa Mairea is a pioneering masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. Designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto as a private home for Maire and Harry Gullichsen, it is one of the icons of Finnish modernism.
In the building, organic forms, natural materials and handcrafted details come together with functional modern architecture. The exceptionally well-preserved interiors and furniture of Villa Mairea were designed by Aino Aalto. Today, Villa Mairea operates as a museum and is open to the public.
This is not a house, this is a Love Poem.
sigfried giedion
Maire and Harry Gullichsen
Harry Gullichsen served as Managing Director of Maire’s family company, Ahlström. Maire Gullichsen was one of the most significant patrons and advocates of the arts of her time. Their friendship with the Aaltos led to a collaboration that resulted in, among other things, the founding of Artek and the creation of Villa Mairea.
However cosmopolitan I may be and feel at home anywhere in the world, I always return most gladly to Noormarkku, to Mairea.
Maire gullichsen
Collections
The collections of the Villa Mairea Foundation include art, design objects, a library and an archive. The art and design collections comprise several thousand objects, some of which are on display at Villa Mairea and others stored elsewhere.
The library collection includes books, sound recordings, magazines and other publications.
The archive contains thousands of historical photographs and tens of thousands of documents, the majority of which consist of Maire Gullichsen’s correspondence. Maire had extensive collaborative networks in the worlds of art and design, both internationally and in Finland. The Villa Mairea archive is open to researchers.
Art has held a significant place in my life. It has given me inner richness, meaning in my life, friends all over the world, and experiences.
maire gullichsen
