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Discover the world of Aino and Alvar Aalto with this $18 ticket to Millesgården Museum's exclusive exhibition showcasing over 200 iconic design objects.
Explore the creative partnership of Aino and Alvar Aalto at Millesgården Museum in Stockholm County, Sweden. For $18 per person, this one-day exhibition offers a close look at over 200 objects from the world’s largest private collection. This experience provides a unique opportunity to see furniture, glassware, lighting, and prototypes spanning from the 1920s to the 1960s, along with insights into their collaborative process and design philosophy.
Ideal for design enthusiasts and those interested in 20th-century innovation, this exhibition presents a comprehensive view of the Aaltos’ holistic approach—where aesthetics, functionality, and human values blend seamlessly. While the ticket price is modest, visitors should note that the exhibition duration is limited to one day and is suitable for those who enjoy deep dives into design history.

The exhibition at Millesgården Museum centers on Aino and Alvar Aalto, two of the most influential 20th-century design pioneers. The display features over 200 objects from Pertti Männistös private collection, offering an extensive look at their work.
Visitors get to see iconic handmade objects spanning five decades, including furniture, glassware, lighting, and prototypes. These pieces illustrate their evolutionary design process and highlight their collaboration, with Alvar leading architectural elements and Aino focusing on interiors and materials. The exhibition demonstrates how their organic, human-centered style became a shared signature.

An especially engaging part of this experience is the exploration of fully furnished room settings. Among these is a wartime living room, which provides insight into their approach during challenging periods, and a 1950s urban Finnish apartment styled by Artek, the company the Aaltos co-founded.
These settings show how architectural solutions merged with interior and product design, emphasizing their seamless collaboration. Visitors see firsthand how interior details and materials contribute to their holistic aesthetic.

Throughout the exhibition, the wave motif recurs as a design language linked to Alvar Aalto’s architecture and his famous Savoy vase. Aino Aalto’s Bölgeblick glassware also features this motif, illustrating their shared symbolic language.
The Finnish word “aalto,” meaning wave, encapsulates their philosophy of continuous movement and harmony. This motif ties together their work across architecture, furniture, and glassware, illustrating a unified design language that remains influential today.

The exhibition highlights their collaborative spirit, marked by complete equality and a holistic design approach. While Alvar often led architectural projects, Aino’s expertise directed interior choices and material selections.
Their partnership underscores how their designs—from furniture to architecture—are interconnected. The wave motif embodies their shared vision of creating organic, human-centered spaces that balance form and function.
More Great Tours NearbyAn important aspect of the exhibition is its emphasis on the Aaltos’ commitment to sustainability and social engagement. This focus underscores their forward-thinking approach, integrating social values into their design process.
Visitors can observe how timeless their work remains, reflecting responsible design principles that resonate with contemporary sustainability efforts. The exhibition showcases their long-lasting influence on modern design.
This exhibition is accessible via wheelchair and is designed to be easy to navigate. The ticket includes entrance to Millesgården’s Sculpture Park and Artist’s Home, enriching the visit with outdoor and historical insights.
The price of $18 and one-day validity make this a cost-effective option for those keen on design history, with the flexibility of full access to the broader museum grounds. The exhibition is perfect for design students, art lovers, and curious visitors seeking a comprehensive look at the Aaltos’ work.
To make the most of this experience, plan to spend time in the fully furnished rooms, where Aalto furniture and interior details are displayed in their natural context. The wave motif runs throughout the exhibition, so keep an eye out for it in different objects and settings.
Since the exhibition is part of the larger Millesgården Museum, visitors can also enjoy the sculpture park and artist’s home, adding extra value to the ticket. This tour suits those who appreciate modern design, architecture, and art history, especially if they are interested in the holistic approach of the Aaltos.
What is included in the ticket price?
The $18 ticket grants access to the Aino and Alvar Aalto exhibition, over 200 objects from Pertti Männistös collection, fully furnished room settings, and all of Millesgården, including the sculpture park and artist’s home.
How long does the exhibition last?
The exhibition is available for one day, and viewers can explore at their own pace within that timeframe, with the option to revisit the full museum grounds.
Is the exhibition suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the exhibition is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.
Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What aspects of the Aaltos’ work are emphasized?
The exhibition highlights their creative partnership, the wave motif, their holistic design philosophy, and their work’s social and environmental aspects.
Does the exhibition include interior design displays?
Yes, visitors see fully furnished interiors, including a wartime living room and a 1950s Finnish apartment styled by Artek.
What is the significance of the wave motif?
The wave motif symbolizes the Aaltos’ unified design style and appears in architecture, glassware, and furniture, reflecting their organic, harmonious approach.
Is this experience good value for money?
Absolutely, at $18, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look into Aino and Alvar Aalto’s work and access to the broader museum grounds.
What should I know before visiting?
Check availability for desired start times, arrive prepared to explore furniture, prototypes, and room settings, and consider combining the visit with the Sculpture Park for a full experience.
Is there any special focus in the exhibition?
Yes, it emphasizes their collaboration, sustainable design, and the wave motif as a design language, providing a well-rounded understanding of their influence.