A new, inspiring Iittala & Arabia Design Centre is a destination center that excites and inspires people of all ages about the past, present and future of Iittala and Arabia.

The Design Centre is located in the Arabia factory building with the iconic chimney and Arabia logo. It is a landmark not only for Finnish design but also for the Arabia district of the city. The combined program of 1800m2 includes the Store, the Design Museum Arabia, the Design Lab and the Arabia Art Department Society.

The design makes a clear distinction between old and new elements by leaving the old space as a fully visible frame for the new functions. The former factory building has been revealed to its bare minimum. The new materials are transparent and reflective or they have been used in the production in the factory-like the old copper printmaking plates. Furniture made with ash frames give warmth, are nice to touch and they give warmth to the entirety.

New layers of materials and colors fit perfectly with Iittala’s and Arabia’s products and monumental industrial architecture. The result is a contemporary public space without diminishing the building’s historical presence.

In addition to the spatial design, Futudesign has also designed all the furniture for the Design Centre.

NOTE TO VISITORS

The 8th floor of the Iittala & Arabia Design Centre has been closed to visitors starting December 5, 2024. Therefore, the Design Museum Arabia is temporarily closed.
During the spring 2025, the museum will move to the ground floor, alongside the shop. The new museum, focusing on the history of ceramics and called Arabia Museum, will open after renovations in May 2025.

The activities of the Design Lab Gallery will become part of Iittala's international event production. In the future, Iittala exhibitions will be seen at design weeks and other design related events. The history of Iittala's glass design can be explored at the renewed Iittala Glass Museum in the Village of Iittala.

The Iittala Store Arabia on the ground floor will continue to operate normally throughout the renovation. The store offers consumers the entire range of Iittala and Arabia products, and provides gift wrapping, Tax Free, and international shipping services.