Erik Bryggman (1891–1955) was one of the most significant Finnish architects of his time. At the beginning of his career he designed a number of residential buildings in Turku in the Nordic Classicism style, which are considered some of the finest examples of this style in Finland. In 1927–1929 he, together with architects Alvar Aalto and Hilding Ekelund, introduced Functionalism to Finland. The Turku Fair (1929), designed jointly by Aalto and Bryggman, was a manifesto for Functionalism. The Vierumäki Sports Institute (1931–36), the Åbo Akademi University Book Tower (1934–35) and Sampo House (1936–38) are key Functionalist buildings in Finland. The Resurrection Chapel (1938–41) in Turku established Modernism in the design of Finnish churches.  During the post-war reconstruction era Bryggman designed a number of schools, hospitals and residential buildings. His final design works include the Lappeenranta, Lohja and Honkanummi Funerary Chapels and the restoration of Turku Castle (1939-1961).

The Bryggman institute and the Estonian museum of architecture have combined an exhibition presenting Erik Bryggman’s architecture, which includes four themes: The timeline of Bryggman’s architecture, churches and chapels, villas and Bryggman’s co-operation with visual artists. The exhibition includes also models. The exhibition is based on Mikko Laaksonen’s book “Architect Erik Bryggman: Works” (Rakennustieto, 2016).

The exhibition of 41 panels of size 70 x 100 cm, is available for other exhibitions from April on. Preliminary reservations from August to October 2019. Current languages include Finnish, English, Swedish and Estonian. Inquiries info@bryggman.fi

Estonian museum of architecture:

Viron arkkitehtuurimuseo, Ahtri 2, Tallinn, open Wed-Fri 11-18, Sat-Sun 10-18

Tickets & details: https://www.arhitektuurimuuseum.ee/

Galleria Nooruse, Riia 11, Tartu, open Tue-Sat  11-18, free entry

https://www.artcol.ee/en/gallery-noorus/

Opening in Tartu, Galleria Nooruse, Riia 11

Tue 26th Feb 17.00

Mikko Laaksonen presents the exhibition in English

Classicism, functionalism and traditionalism in central Tallinn

Walking tour 5 Jan 12.00 to 14.30

Start at Tallinn fire station, Raua 2

In central Tallinn there are several buildings by Erik Bryggman’s contemporaries such as Eugen Habermann, Herbert Johanson, Anton Soans. Also, Finnish architects such as Armas Lindgren, Wivi Lönn and Eliel Saarinen have built in central Tallinn. Good shoes and warm or waterproof clothing depending on day’s weather.

Guidance 5 euros. Languages Finnish and English.