Finland’s Presidential Palace, located on the waterfront near the Market Square in central Helsinki, opened its doors to the public on Saturday for the first time since a major renovation project was completed last year. The restoration aimed to bring the engineering up to date while at the same time preserving the spirit of the neoclassical 19th century building.
Over 2,500 people toured the refurbished palace, many waiting in queues since early morning to do so. Helsinki residents Erja and Matti Koivulahti were among the first to see the fully restored interior.
"It has been exquisitely restored. But it seems much smaller than the picture you get from watching the television," said Erja.
Her husband Matti praised the colour scheme. "The brilliant colours are just wonderful."
45-million-euro price tag
A previous renovation of the palace took place in the early 1970s, and the building’s foundation had since grown unstable. Jet grouting was used to strengthen the structure and many of the building services systems were either repaired or replaced. The building's access routes were also updated with both accessibility and safety in mind.
Conservation and refurbishment of structures and surfaces, like decorative paintings, were also carried out. The total renovation cost was estimated at around 45 million euros.
Young scouts Nuutti Asplund and Konsta Kenttä didn’t know they would be touring the Presidential Palace when they woke up Saturday morning.
"We were supposed to go to forest camp, but our scout leaders brought us here instead as a surprise."
The duo was most impressed by the state room. "This hall is perhaps the most spectacular, with all the chandeliers and what-not," said Kenttä.
A surprise sighting
A few lucky tour-goers were also treated to a short visit from the President Sauli Niinistö and his wife Jenni Haukio, as they walked through the building.
Holding his Boston terrier Lennu in his arms, the President asked the crowd if they thought the palace looked good. The answer was a resounding "Yes!"
The Presidential Palace houses the study and official reception rooms of the President of the Republic and the premises of the Office of the President of the Republic. The building was originally built in 1820 and iniitally served as a merchant’s residence.
Famed city architect Carl Ludvig Engel converted the building into an Imperial Palace between 1840 and 1845, and in 1921, it was designated the Presidential Palace.