Finnish Glass Biennale proves that glass has no limits

The Finnish Glass Biennale, which will be held for the first time in June, aims to increase the appreciation and visibility of glass, internationalize the Finnish industry and strengthen cooperation in the field. The program is compiled in close cooperation with the actors of the national glass network and is curated by Japanese design influencer Akira Minagawa.

The recently concluded open content search for the Biennale yielded almost fifty proposals. So it can be said that the Finnish glass industry is alive and well – and there is demand for an event to celebrate it. Judging by the applications, Finnish designers and artists working with glass have an open-minded approach to their material. At least glass blowing molds grown from fungal mycelium, protective clothing for 3D-printed robots made from recycled glass, and numerous skillfully executed sculptures, installations and exhibition complexes are expected. “Glass is an inspiring material and its versatility is well demonstrated in these even surprising proposals,” Hanna Mamia-Walther, director of the Finnish Glass Museum, rejoices.

The main venue for the Riihimäki Biennale is the Riihimäen Vanha Lasitehdas, owned by Kallioinen Yhtiöt Oy, located next to the Finnish Glass Museum. The building belonged to the legendary Riihimäen Lasi Oy, whose history is an important part of the story of the Finnish glass industry. In June, the ground floor of the building will be occupied by a diverse exhibition, a pop-up café bar and a stage for discussions and encounters. Designer Lauri Johansson is responsible for the exhibition architecture. There will also be a workshop where a broken object gets a new life as a unique work of art, a work demonstration presenting glass engraving techniques and the super popular Glass Day organised by the Finnish Glass Museum Friends Association, which sells used, art and collectible glass, in the courtyard of the Finnish Glass Museum.

The Finnish Glass Biennale will also be celebrated in the center of Riihimäki. There will be open houses, dinner events and city tours. The city is also planning to rename some streets to honor the glass tradition. The Iittala Glass Village will host, among other things, the World Glassblowing Championship and guided factory tours. Another important venue is Nuutajärvi, where a series of works designed by curator and designer Akira Minagawa in collaboration with glassblower Kaappo Lähdesmäki was created during the spring. The end result is a unique series of works as part of the main exhibition.

The topicality and uniqueness of the Finnish Glass Biennale are partly ensured by the advisory group appointed for the event. A group of friends of Finnish glass representing various fields were invited to participate. The advisory group consists of Riihimäki City Mayor Jouni Eho, Riihimäki City Councilor Aarno Yrjö-Koskinen, fashion designer Anne-Mari Pahkala, Nuutajärvi Pruuki Oy CEO Ari Salmi, Finnish Glass Museum Friends Board Member Jyrki Kippola, Iittala Creative Director Janni Vepsäläinen and culture and event entrepreneur Tomi Hänninen. The group's activities are guided by the City of Riihimäki Development Manager Kristian Keinänen, the Director of the Finnish Glass Museum Hanna Mamia-Walther and the CEO of Luovi Productions Kari Korkman.

The first Finnish Glass Biennale will be held in Riihimäki, Iittala and Nuutajärvi from 5 to 8.6.2025 June XNUMX. The Finnish Glass Biennale is part of the Glass City development work of the City of Riihimäki.