Inaugurated in 2005, St. Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel in Turku is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I've ever seen. It is a very simple building with a shape that reminds you of a fish or a boat.
The roof, or actually all of the outside, is made out of copper. The inside of the chapel is made completely out of wood. This 12 meter (40 feet) high ceiling looks much higher than it really is.
The natural light changes the balance of light and shadow constantly, thus the inside of the chapel never looks exactly the same.
The chapel was awarded with "The Roof of The Year 2005 (Vuoden Katto 2005)", "Wood Award 2005 - people's choice (Puupalkinto 2005 - yleisön suosikki) ", "The Cultural Award of the Church (Kirkon kulttuuripalkinto)" and it was noted highly at the Biennale di Venezia. It was featured in the Japanese magazine a + u, Architecture and Urbanism in 1997 and represented Finland in the "Holy Space" exhibition in Tokyo in 2003.
- Architects: Matti Sanaksenaho, Pirjo Sanaksenaho and Enrico Garbin
- Construction designer: Narmaplan Oy
- Glass paintings: Hannu Konola
- Acoustics: Alpo Halme
- Contractor: Hartela Oy (Henrikki Hirvelä)
The main altar was supposed to be planned by famous Finnish artist and sculptor Kain Tapper who unfortunately deceased before his work was finished. Since the artist was not satisfied with the latest draft of the altar, it was decided that there will be no altar in the chapel.
Currently the Art Chapel is second in number of visitors to religious sight in Finland, right after the Temppelinaukio Church in Helsinki!
The chapel is open to visitors every day from noon to 6pm. The address is Seiskarinkatu 30, Turku.
More information can be found here (in Finnish only).
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Posted by: michael vick jersey | August 19, 2011 at 04:41 AM
The chapel was awarded with "The Roof of The Year 2005 (Vuoden Katto 2005)", "Wood Award 2005 - people's choice (Puupalkinto 2005 - yleisön suosikki) ", "The Cultural Award of the Church (Kirkon kulttuuripalkinto)" and it was noted highly at the Biennale di Venezia. It was featured in the Japanese magazine a + u, Architecture and Urbanism in 1997 and represented Finland in the "Holy Space" exhibition in Tokyo in 2003.
Posted by: bike clothes | July 19, 2011 at 12:28 PM
That building reminds me more of a boat, not really a fish. I don't know for some of you. :-)
Posted by: phentermine 37.5 | July 13, 2011 at 04:54 AM
Hi there,
Really nice job,There are many people searching about that now they will find enough sources by your tips.
Also looking forward for more tips about that
Posted by: ゾフラン | March 22, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Interesting blog. Thank you for the platform.
Posted by: Medical Assistant Certification | February 18, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Wow,Nice one,
There are many people searching about that now they will find enough sources by your tips.
Now looking forward for more tips about that
Posted by: Generic Cialis | January 29, 2011 at 07:55 AM
I am simply out of words after reading your blog. I want to appreciate the way you handled such a complicated subject. Nothing better than this could be written in such a simple manner! Hats off dude!!!
Posted by: kamagra | January 25, 2011 at 08:21 AM
CSS on this page is not working properly, i love the post, beside data i love to comment on design as well as it attaracts me always, so i can not comment on the design.
But the blog is informational.
Good work, i must appreciate your knowledge about the market.
Posted by: Generic Viagra | November 12, 2010 at 11:50 AM
CSS on this page is not working properly, i love the post, beside data i love to comment on design as well as it attaracts me always, so i can not comment on the design.
But the blog is informational.
Good work, i must appreciate your knowledge about the market.
Posted by: buy generic viagra | November 12, 2010 at 11:49 AM
he blog is the portrait of the mind，very good
Posted by: air jordans | November 12, 2010 at 07:55 AM