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.

Guided tours

In the summer, Aalto2 organises public guided tours of the Aalto 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.