Aalto University Shop is a campus store that offers a unique range of original design items along with stylish products bearing the university’s branding.
Not Just a Campus Bookstore
Aalto University Shop is located within Aalto University’s main campus at Otaniemi.
Named after world-renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, it is fitting that this unique campus shop is home to an exclusive selection of design works. Many of these items are produced by the students themselves.
The campus itself is a beautiful place to visit, with wide-open green spaces and stunning architecture, several of which were designed by Aalto himself.
The University Shop is located in the A-Bloc, in an airy, light-filled space that makes browsing through the impressive collection of products all the more enjoyable.
Masters of Social Distancing
However, you don’t have to be in Finland to be able to visit the University Shop. At their online store, you can browse through and order any of the products that you would usually find in their Otaniemi store.
The idea of the Aalto University Shop originated along with the original discussions for the development of the campus. However, it took several years before the concept of the university shop was perfected before it finally opened in 2018.
The University itself was formed as a merger of three major Finnish universities, and it resulted in a melting pot of art and science disciplines.
The innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the campus is embodied in the shop’s eclectic range of student-designed products.
This was how the “Thinking of You” chocolates came about. Designed as a gesture to reach out to someone who was alone, or simply a friendly reminder that you haven’t been forgotten, the chocolates quickly turned into one of their most popular products.
A Showcase for Upcoming Finnish and International Design Talents
Currently the works of over 30 students are included in the range and more are being added.
Designs are selected through a curatorial process in which every product is assessed, not just on aesthetic or commercial value, but on whether it meets the values of the University and on the story behind the product.
The University shop is an invaluable opportunity to the talented students who may have struggled to find a forum to showcase their works.
Expect the Unexpected
Being a University Shop, it should be no surprise that they also have a wide range of educational texts, including a substantial selection of titles from the University’s own publishing house, Aalto ARTS Books.
Along with the books, the product range includes jewellery, college sweatshirts and hoodies, illustrated postcards and stationery. You can also find quirkier and more unexpected things, such as the student-designed skateboards, which have sold out consistently.
WHEN & WHERE
Online shop – anytime, all the time. Visit www.shop.aalto.fi.
At Otaniemi: MON – FRI 9 – 17.
You can find the shop in the A Bloc, conveniently located next to the metro station. From Kamppi metro station in central Helsinki, it takes 20 minutes to the Aalto metro stop.
