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Safeguarding of cultural heritage The UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted in 1972, responds to the concern about the conservation of the world’s threatened cultural and natural heritage and p...

International conventions related to cultural heritage Key conventions related to the preservation and protection of cultural heritage are, for example, the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and Conven...

23.4.2026 | The evaluation of Finland’s National World Heritage Strategy (2015–2025) finds that implementation has been broad‑based and substantive. The strategy has reinforced Finland’s standing as a responsible steward of world heritage and deepened cooperation between world heritage sites. The findings and the role of the strategy were discussed at the World Heritage Forum in Vaasa.

26.6.2026 | Supplementing the National Inventory of Living Heritage The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in 2003. Finland ratified the Convention in 2013, and the Finnish H...

11.3.2026 | Mr Pietrangelo Buttafuoco President of La Biennale di Venezia Mr Luigi Brugnaro, Ms Tamara Gregoretti, Mr Luca Zaia Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia For information: Mr Alessandro Giuli Minister of Culture of the Italian Republic Honou...

22.1.2025 | Finland has nominated a series of 13 properties designed by architect Alvar Aalto's office for inclusion in the World Heritage List. The properties, named "Aalto Works", represent Aalto's modern and humane architecture. At the request of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Finnish Heritage Agency has drawn up a nomination proposal, working together with Alvar Aalto Foundation and the stakeholders of the architectural sites.

31.3.2025 | Joint Finnish-Swedish proposal prepared for dipnet fishing in the Torne River rapids for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision on inscription is due in December 2026.

14.5.2024 | The Finnish Heritage Agency and its partners have produced a 3D model of Petäjävesi Old Church to help preserve valuable information of this cultural heritage site for future generations. Accurate measurement data will also help those planning the restoration and repairs of the church.

1.2.2021 | Finland proposes listing a set of 13 sites representing Alvar Aalto’s humane architecture as a cultural heritage site on the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The holy place of worship of Ukonsaari by the Saami people in Inari will remain on the list of sites on the national tentative list.

9.2.2017 | Our Common Heritage For a National World Heritage Strategy 2015–2025 Publications of the Ministry of Education and Culture 2015:15 Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö Ministry of Education and Culture Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö • Kulttuuri- ja taid...

15.4.2024 | The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, Real Estate Company ADM, the City of Helsinki and SAFA the Finnish Association of Architects have launched an international, open design competition to find a design team for a new 10,050 sq m (GFA) museum building in Helsinki South Harbour.

3.6.2013 | Finland offers experience and expertise to the World Heritage Committee

9.2.2017 | Fostering Our Common Heritage Implementation Plan for the National World Heritage Strategy until 2025 Publications of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland 2016:44 Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö Ministry of Education and Culture Fostering...

29.3.2019 | The Ministry of Education and Culture together with the Ministry of the Environment have launched an inquiry into the future of Paimio Sanatorium, a historic building designed by architects Alvar and Aino Aalto. The inquiry will be headed by Heikki Alannen, Master of Laws trained on the bench, and Olavi Hiekka, Master of Science (Tech.). Their task will be to draw up a proposal for an economically viable model for covering the site’s maintenance and operating costs.

18.6.2019 | A report on a viable business model for Paimio Sanatorium commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of the Environment has been completed. It proposes that the Hospital District of Southwest Finland, the central government, the Alvar Aalto Foundation and the City of Paimio establish a foundation to administrate the sanatorium. The future administration and management...

3.11.2017 | Parliament has ratified the Faro Framework Convention and passed a bill bringing into force the provisions of a legislative nature of the Convention in Finland. The Faro Convention emphasises the role of cultural heritage as a common and valuable resource, the diversity of cultural heritage, and the significance of cultural heritage as a resource for sustainable economic development. The Convention entered into force internationally in June 2011.

27.10.2020 | A foundation has been established for developing Paimio Sanatorium. The memorandum of association was signed on 27 October. The founding members of the foundation are the Hospital District of Southwest Finland, the State, the Alvar Aalto Foundation and the cities of Paimio and Turku.

30.12.2021 | Finland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers is coming to an end. Although the COVID-19 pandemic naturally affected event arrangements, solutions have also been found. For example, it has become commonplace to arrange remote and hybrid events, with recordings and reports produced for many events that can be used in various contexts, even after the presidency year ends. This documentat...

7.8.2020 | Pre-selection of the European Capital of Culture 2026 in Finland 1 JUNE 2020 Selection of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) 2026 in Finland The Expert Panel’s report Pre-Selection Stage Helsinki June 2020 Pre-selection of the European Capital...

18.1.2018 | Traditions, sense of community and a wide range of arts were the factors that secured the victory for Fiskars Village, located in Raasepori, in the Culture EDEN in Finland competition. Minister for European Affairs, Culture and Sport Sampo Terho presented the award at the Nordic Travel Fair Matka 2018 in Helsinki today. In addition, “Backwoods Paradise” in the Art Town Mänttä-Vilppula, Parppeinva...