Renovation of the Presidential Palace 2013–2014

Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic

The renovation of the Presidential Palace began after Independence Day in December 2012 and is scheduled to last about two years.

In this renovation, the Presidential Palace will be repaired to a standard consistent with its purpose, while maintaining appropriate respect for its architectural, cultural and historical values. The principal task is strengthening the deteriorating foundations. The renovation also involves replacing building services, refurbishing surfaces, improving access routes and upgrading security. The Presidential Palace was previously renovated in the 1970s.

During the renovation, the building will be unoccupied. The President of the Republic has temporary premises in the official residence of the Mayor of Helsinki on Aleksanterinkatu. The Office of the President of the Republic has relocated to the household building at Mariankatu 1, the Main Guard Post and offices at Govinius House on Katariinankatu.

During the renovation work, the southern end of Mariankatu adjacent to the Presidential Palace is closed to traffic.

The principal designer of the renovation project is LPR-arkkitehdit Oy, and the project management is contracted to SRV Rakennus Oy. About EUR 45 million has been budgeted for the project; the budget will be revised as the work progresses due to the nature of the renovation project.

This renovation has been in preparation since 2007. The National Board of Antiquities has been involved from the first. The preparation phase involved exploring the condition of the building and its structures and research into architectural history and furnishings.

During the renovation, artworks from the Presidential Palace will be displayed to the public in an exhibition to be opened at the Ateneum in April 2013.

The Presidential Palace houses the study and official reception rooms of the President of the Republic and the premises of the Office of the President of the Republic. The building was originally a merchant’s residence, completed in 1820. Designed by Pehr Granstedt, it was converted into an Imperial Palace to plans by city architect Carl Ludvig Engel between 1840 and 1845. It was designated the Presidential Palace in 1921.

More information press@tpk.fi