Vanha Poli - Helsinki, Finland
Posted by: 
Mikkozzz
N 60° 09.851 E 024° 55.917
35V E 385233 N 6671493
Art Nouveau is called jugend in Finnish. Borrowed from German language.
When jugend arrived to Finland the nation was in the middle of national awakening. Thus the new style of art was often combined with national romanticism.
Waymark Code: WM8ACG
Location: Finland
Date Posted: 02/28/2010
Views: 105
The impressive building of Vanha Poli (Literally ”Old Poli”. Poli is shortened from Polytechnic) was built for the Student Union of Polytechnic College, which later became Helsinki University of Technology.
The building was designed by architects Walter Thomé and Karl Lundahl in 1901. The official opening ceremony lasted two days from 30th to 31st October in 1903.
Wall material is natural grey granite – one of the most common type of rock in Finnish soil. Firm and mighty for buildings that are built to last. Arching, ornaments and decorations are finished to the finest detail. Themes are from the national epos Kalevala, which is typical for national romantic era. The round tower creates mysterious atmosphere. You can almost hear the riotously drunk student generations singing inside.
Until 1967 the building served in its original purpose as Student Union headquarters. Under that period of time it became known as the place where most active student life in Helsinki was concentrated. Wild parties until sunrise have become legends that live on.
By 1960s the building had gotten too small for the increased number of students and it was converted to restaurant, which pulled more revenue to already wealthy student union and continued to host their parties. In 1986 the building was sold to a bank and later it ended up to present owner Palace Hotels. Nowadays the venerable place hosts GLO Hotel Art. The building is still best known with its original name Vanha Poli.
Stories connected to the house. Unfortunately only in Finnish.
Polyteekkari
