I Want to Do Everything Myself! – Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Design 13.6.-31.8.2025

Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865–1931) is often described as the father of modern Finnish Design. His work in the field of applied arts ranges extensively from household textiles, furniture and book covers to insignia and uniforms.

Self-portrait for the Uffizi-gallery, 1916. GKM.

The Kalevala-themed frescoes and the textiles and furniture in the Iris Room brought international fame to the artist in the Paris Exposition in 1900. Textiles woven by the Friends of Finnish Handicrafts, such as the Flame rya rug, considered to be the first example of a modern Finnish rya, and the furniture made in Louis Sparre’s (1863–1964) Iris factory appealed to the jury with their everyday beauty and brought recognition to Finnish design as well as Finland and its dreams of independence.

Cross-references and recurrent themes in traditional art forms and experimental designs tell their story of Gallen-Kallela’s aspirations to achieve a life in which the boundaries between life and art would eventually disappear: “Talents that are stronger and, above all, more complete than me will influence in these different fields and develop them as experts in the future. Furthermore, I need the stimulus brought by interesting and exciting experiments. And finally, I do not think it is art alone that I serve with all this. Art is life, religion – everything.”

The exhibition includes textiles, furniture, objects and art from the Gallen-Kallela Museum collection and other collections.

For information and to book a guided tour of the exhibition: info@gallen-kallela.fi