The Seminaarinmäki campus of the University of Jyväskylä is a unique ensemble where the red-brick seminary buildings of the 1880s meet the modern campus architecture designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s. Aalto won the competition to expand the area in 1951 with his proposal titled URBS.
Based on the American campus principle, the complex forms an open arc around a sports field and includes, among other buildings, the main building, library, teacher training school, refectory and dormitory buildings, gymnasiums, and a swimming hall. The area was later complemented by the Student Union building and the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences building.
This layered and protected campus has been awarded the European Heritage Label and is currently also nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Read more about the buildings’ stunning architecture on the website of the Alvar Aalto -foundation.
In the summer, Aalto2 organises public guided tours of the University of Jyväskylä’s Seminaarinmäki campus in Finnish and English from 1 June to 15 August 2026. Participation requires a ticket purchased in advance. The guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, after which you may explore the area independently if you wish.
Prices and tickets from the Aalto2 online store:
Private tours at the Aalto Campus between June 1 to July 18 and from August 4 to September 30, 2026. Private groups only with a separate reservation. Reservations for private visits: sales@aalto2.museum.
The University of Jyväskylä campus area is located between Seminaarinkatu, Keskussairaalantie and Voionmaankatu.
Those arriving by bus can use the University of Jyväskylä bus stops. If you are travelling by car, we recommend consulting the University of Jyväskylä’s parking guidelines in advance. The area is also easily accessible on foot or by bicycle.
The campus is situated approximately 1.7 kilometres from the Jyväskylä Travel Centre, which includes both the railway and bus stations, and about 500 metres from the Aalto2 Museum Centre.