European Heritage Days at Seminaarinmäki Campus
Guided Tour: discovering Aalto’s Campus
On 5 September, the Open Science Centre University Museum and the Alvar Aalto Society invited the public to a free guided tour in English, led by campus guide Aatu Kavalto. The walk highlighted the unique history of the campus and the architectural legacy of Alvar Aalto, whose design has shaped both the buildings and surrounding park.
Participants, including international staff, exchange students, and new residents of Jyväskylä, were encouraged to share their impressions and personal connections to the campus during the tour. Their feedback reflected a strong appreciation for opportunities to engage with local heritage in accessible, participatory ways.
The event was not only part of the European Heritage Days, but also connected to the opening of the Jyväskylä Art Street autumn season and the international Open Alvar Aalto Route Days.
Exhibition: Reflecting on heritage then and now
In addition, the University Museum curated an exhibition linked to the EHD theme Architectural Heritage, presenting research on the construction history of campus architecture and other sites in Jyväskylä.
As part of the museum’s 125th anniversary celebrations, a new exhibition opened on 10 September: “Artefacts from Students’ Home Regions: Then and Now”. It places ethnological objects collected by Jyväskylä Seminary students in the early 20th century alongside artefacts contributed by today’s university students, such as the snake’s court stone and graffiti jewellery. Curated by art history student Sanna Rouhiainen, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how the meaning of home and heritage evolves across generations.
The success of these events shows how the European Heritage Days can bring communities together, from local residents to international newcomers, to engage with heritage in creative, inclusive, and meaningful ways. By celebrating both architectural landmarks and personal stories, the Seminaarinmäki Campus highlights the enduring role of heritage in education, identity, and community life.
