President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb awarded the honorary title of Academician of Arts to architect Mona Schalin on Friday 24 October 2025 at a ceremony held at the House of Nobility in Helsinki.
Mona Schalin (b. 1954) has had a remarkable career as an architect specialising in building conservation, renovation and the built cultural environment. Her most notable restoration and renovation projects are located in Helsinki. These include the National Pensions Institute apartment building area in Munkkiniemi designed by Alvar Aalto, the Urho Kekkonen Museum Tamminiemi, the Serpentine House in the Käpylä district designed by Yrjö Lindegren, and several of the buildings at the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Schalin has also developed the teaching of architectural history and restoration in Finland and the Nordic countries.
Through her research and teaching, Schalin has contributed to an increased understanding and appreciation of architectural heritage and the built cultural environment. She has also actively voiced her views on important contemporary issues. She has been a pioneer in developing methods for studying and restoring modern architecture.
The title of Academician of Arts is awarded by the President of the Republic to highly distinguished artists on the proposal of the Central Arts Council of Finland. The title of Academician of Arts can be held by no more than eleven persons at a time. The title of Academician is a distinction, not a remunerated position. The title is for life.
The other Academicans of Arts are visual artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila, photographer Caj Bremer, musician Hilja Grönfors, film director Pirjo Honkasalo, dance artist Marjo Kuusela, author Hannu Mäkelä, textile and fashion artist Vuokko Nurmesniemi, conductor Jorma Panula, playwright and director Sirkku Peltola, and performance artist Roi Vaara.
