About us - Institut finlandais

Institut finlandais is an independent and multidisciplinary platform between Finland and France.

Institut finlandais was opened to the public in 1990. Designed by the architect Juhani Pallasmaa, the facilities of the institute are located in a former cinema, in the heart of the Quartier Latin in Paris, which is an attractive international meeting place and platform to present Finnish culture, know-how and society. The premises were renewed during a major renovation in 2017–2018, led by architect Pekka Littow’s Littow architectes, and opened again to the public in July 2018. Studio Joanna Laajisto designed the interior decorations.

Institut finlandais principal onsite activities consist of a gallery, a cinema and a café. Our café Coutume Institut is located in the Great Hall of the building, where we also regularly host talks and presentations. The furniture of the café is manufactured by the Finnish company Made by Choice, specialized in solid wood. Located on rue des Ecoles, the Galerie of Institut finlandais and its various exhibitions provide a showcase for Finnish art and design. The 60-seat auditorium on the ground floor offers regular film programs and other activities, such as Finnish language courses, led by Lea Lagerblom.

Institut finlandais in numbers:

– Great hall: 130m2, 80 seats
– Gallery: 40m2
– Meeting room (floor): 30m2, 20 seats
– Cinema: 70m2, 60 seats + 2 seats for disabled people
– Maximum capacity (Great hall and gallery): 195 people

Staff

Johanna Råman, Director

johanna.raman(at)institut-finlandais.fr
+33 (0)7 50 68 87 68

Tanja Juntto, Producer

tanja.juntto(at)institut-finlandais.fr
+ 33 (0)6 43 75 73 94

Laura Vanto, Producer

laura.vanto(at)institut-finlandais.fr
+ 33 (0)6 08 74 32 63

Kaisa Ahvonen, Head of Communications

kaisa.ahvonen(at)institut-finlandais.fr

Katariina Uusitalo, Administrative and Financial Coordinator

katariina.uusitalo(at)institut-finlandais.fr
+ 33 (0)6 38 88 03 22

Quentin L'hôte, Technician

quentin.lhote(at)institut-finlandais.fr
+33 (0)7 81 57 15 75

Greetta Ripatti, Gallery Assistant

greetta.ripatti(at)institut-finlandais.fr

Freja Schalin, Production assistant

freja.schalin(at)institut-finlandais.fr

Anni Alanen, Communications Assistant

anni.alanen(at)institut-finlandais.fr

Portraits: Jussi Kantonen and Veera Mietola.

The main purpose of the Institut finlandais foundation is to maintain and facilitate the cultural institute in Paris.

The core activities of the Institut are funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. The projects of the Institut are also financed by different private foundations and organizations. The 2021 programme is financed by: the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, the Alfred Kordelin Foundation, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Svenska kulturfonden, Finnish National Agency for Education, the Nordic Culture Fund and Pro Helvetia.