Alvar Aalto Library

In 1927-1935, the Alvar Aalto Central City Library was built in Vyborg. It was designed by architect Alvar Aalto. The library is considered one of the milestones in the history of modern architecture, as it marks the transition from nationally colored neoclassicism to simpler forms of regional modernism.

The Aalto Library was the first building to feature for the first time a combination of gentle and flowing natural lines and strict functionalism. Alvar’s creative style involves the use of natural materials, primarily wood. The acoustic undulating ceiling in the lecture hall acquired great fame in the architectural world, which collapsed after the war and was restored according to old drawings.

The library was built with money bequeathed by Maria Lallucca, the widow of the Vyborg philanthropist. Thanks to this wealthy citizen, the library has become a standard library building around the world. Alvar Aalto took into account all the details that are important for the library: the storage of books, the needs of readers and the peculiarities of the work of librarians. He developed a system of shadowless lighting with funnel-shaped lamps.

Unfortunately, the library was devastated in 1940 when Soviet troops invaded Vyborg. Finnish, Swedish and German literature is missing. Over time, her collections were supplemented by Russian books. The library was abandoned for a while until money for renovation came in 1954. In 1961, the building was reopened, it houses a unique book collection, which includes a collection from the department of local history literature, books about Karelia and Vyborg in various languages.