The functionalist hotel Vaakuna opened for the Helsinki Summer Olympics in 1952

Architect Erkki Huttunen's designed Hotel Vaakuna opened in the city's most central location, next to the railway station, on June 10, 1952. Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympics that summer, and additional hotel capacity was needed. The functionalist hotel was a magnificent display of architect Huttunen's skill, a landmark in architecture, and a dream job for the designer himself. The hotel rooms were modern, and the stylish interior design was admired worldwide.

The spaces were illuminated by magnificent brass lamps designed by designer Paavo Tynell, whose originals can still be found in our hotel premises. The newly opened hotel also featured some specialties. Erkki Huttunen's invention was the double doors of the hotel rooms, which the designer had seen on his trips to America. When a guest left their laundry between the double doors of the wardrobe, the hotel service could pick them up for laundry without disturbing the guest.

A fountain was built in the hotel lobby, and in its center, a beautiful red granite sculpture was commissioned from sculptor Gunnar Finne, named Grotesque. The sculpture is a protected monument of the National Board of Antiquities, as is a significant part of the entire Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna's interior.

Stories along the way

At the grand opening of Hotel Vaakuna in 1952, guests were served delicacies such as foie gras, caviar, and pork fillets with black salsify and marmalade. Among the invited guests were also state leaders, led by President J.K. Paasikivi.

State leaders have also found their way to Vaakuna later on. In the 1960s, ministers and members of parliament enjoyed long lunches in the Vaakuna restaurant's panoramic restaurant. Members of parliament had search devices whose range conveniently reached from Vaakuna's 10th floor to the parliament.

In 1972, the Vaakuna rooftop terrace hosted the world's first balcony skiing. Finland's then ski team competed playfully on the 27-meter-long track opened on Vaakuna's terrace.

The guestbook of Vaakuna is filled with the names of countless world stars and Finnish celebrities. Such as Gregory Peck, Paul Anka, Henry Kissinger, Armi Kuusela, and Yuri Gagarin. Fan photos of movie stars can also be found between the guestbook pages.

The Sokos Hotels chain was established in 1974, and Helsinki's Vaakuna joined the chain among the first.

Towards the 2020s

The premises of Sokos-Vaakuna building have been renovated several times over the years, and parts have been divided from the Sokos department store to expand the hotel. The latest major renovation at Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna was carried out in 2018-2020 when all hotel rooms, lobby areas, hotel corridors, and 10th-floor meeting and restaurant facilities were renovated.

Vaakuna's design is as unique and current in the 2020s as it has always been. Functionality, light, and the sense of space are top priorities in the functionalist hotel. Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna shines with a fresh and timeless style, radiating the sophisticated atmosphere of a bygone era.

Image: Miss Universum Armi Kuusela at Restaurant Vaakuna's terrace in 1952. Helsinki City Museum