Muuratsalon koetalo

About the museum

The Muuratsalon koetalo (Muuratsalo Experimental House) is the studio and summer residence that Alvar and Elissa Aalto designed for themselves on the western shore of Muuratsalo island in Lake Päijänne. The main building was completed in 1952–1954, and the guest wing in 1953. The house stands on a rocky shore of Lake Päijänne, sheltered by the forest. Aalto used the site as a testing ground, where he investigated different materials, forms, techniques and proportions. The house is said to have drawn its inspiration from the Roman atrium of antiquity.

The L-shaped main building and the walls enclose an inner courtyard, which opens to the south and west. The façade changes from a white rendered wall to red brick, and in the inner courtyard several types of brick, ceramic surfaces and masonry bonds have been tested. There is an open hearth in the heart of the courtyard. On the plot there is also a wooden shed and, on the rocky shore, a log smoke sauna, which Alvar Aalto sketched and Elissa Aalto drew as working drawings.

The Nemo propheta in patria motorboat, which the Aaltos used in the summers, belongs to the collection of the Alvar Aalto Foundation. The Koetalo is part of a UNESCO World Heritage series called Aalto Works. Visits and guided tours are run by the Aalto2 museum centre.

Highlights

• Studio and summer villa of Alvar and Elissa Aalto from 1952–1954
• Inner courtyard where different bricks and ceramic surfaces were tested
• Smoke sauna on the shore of Lake Päijänne
• UNESCO World Heritage site Aalto Works
• Guided tour with a guide from Aalto2

Founded

1952

Operated by

Aalto2-museokeskus Oy

Admission & discounts

The Museokortti is not accepted as a means of payment. Tickets are bought in advance from the Aalto2 online shop and are valid only for the booked time; tickets are not refunded.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Koetalo is reached partly along a difficult forest path, so the site is not step-free. There is no visitor toilet at the site.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

The Koetalo is on Muuratsalo island, about a 30-minute drive from the Aalto2 museum centre. The route to the Koetalo partly runs along a forest path.

Amenities & dining

There is no visitor toilet at the site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit