Artek + Moomin
Designed in Finland. Made for the world.
How four young idealists’ vision of bringing Finland to the world – and the world to Finland – continues to resonate ninety years on
2025 is a year of celebration at Artek. It marks 90 years since four visionary young founders set out to create a new kind of furniture company. Their goal? Bringing Finland to the world, and the world to Finland. To mark the occasion, special anniversary collections have been created in collaboration with Moomin and Marimekko, as well as a commemorative poster designed by Finnish contemporary artist Inka Bell. These partners have been chosen for the values they share with Artek, enabling Finnish design to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Three key attributes motivate everything that Artek does, today as in 1935: being open to international influences; a deep respect for the natural environment; and an independent yet audience-focused creativity.
From Finland to the world and back
When Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl founded Artek in 1935, they created the Artek Manifest, which laid out their plans for a new kind of furniture company. First and foremost, an entity was required to promote the furniture designed by the Aaltos, which was already gaining international attention. But their ambitions extended beyond purely business – they also sought to introduce modern art and design to Finland.
All four founders maintained strong connections with international partners, many of whom became firm friends. This exchange of ideas led to a two-way creative dialogue: Finnish designers, architects and artists gained global recognition, while international art, textiles and designs found their way into Finnish homes and public spaces.
Nature as a source of inspiration
Finland is shaped by its natural surroundings – its forests, seasonal contrasts, the many lakes throughout the country. This landscape demands resourcefulness and respect in its inhabitants, which in turn feeds creativity. For Alvar and Aino Aalto, the Finnish forest was not just an inspiration but a material foundation.
All the Aalto furniture designs featured in the upcoming 90th anniversary collections are crafted from Finnish wood. The vast majority are produced at Artek’s own factory in western Finland, where production has continued since the 1930s.
Design for everyone
Finnish designers and artists often combine free-spirited creativity with a strong awareness of their audiences. This balance reflects a culture of openness and inclusivity, allowing Finland to be a hub of design despite its small population.
Alvar and Aino Aalto pioneered a human-centred approach to design, merging functionalism with natural materials. This ethos was present from the very start, when Alvar Aalto and Otto Korhonen first developed bentwood furniture to enhance the comfort and wellbeing of tuberculosis patients at Paimio Sanatorium in 1932.
Their philosophy went beyond aesthetics – it was about improving everyday life. It was once said that Alvar Aalto possessed “an abiding sympathy with and concern for the needs of the average person, whom he saw as his ultimate client.” Artek furniture is not confined to upmarket urban homes. It can be found in classrooms, libraries and public spaces in Finland and beyond – a testament to the lasting relevance of the founders’ vision.
Join the party
Over the past 90 years, Artek has come to incorporate an expanding range of products, designers, and distinctive design elements—each with its own story.
Join us on an interactive landing page where you can explore the Artek universe and discover the stories behind Artek's much-loved designers and their creations.
Throughout the year, new guests will arrive, bringing fresh perspectives. Visit the page now and celebrate 90 years of Artek with us.
