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Christmas at Glass
Village 13 Dec
Blow your own glass ornament.
For Christmas lovers of all ages, the day also offers a Tonttupolku (Elf Trail), a chance to meet Santa Claus, and gingerbread decorating.
Finnish glass art deserves bold plans
Just a few years ago, one of the most significant stories in Nordic glass art was on the brink of ending. Now, after millions invested in restoring the historic glass village, Nuutajärvi Glass aims to spark a new rise for unique, handcrafted glass.
For over 230 years, Nuutajärvi has been the heart of Finnish glass. From this village have emerged artists, export products, and ideas that have shaped the entire design culture of our country—both nationally and internationally.
Nuutajärvi’s history has always included changes in ownership and new beginnings. In recent years, new players have arrived in the village, one of them being CEO Teija Koskinen.
“The restored factory setting and the open collaboration among glass village professionals form the foundation for our operations. From that base, we’re developing art and experience activities aimed at attracting a broader domestic and international audience to glass,” Koskinen says.
“Nuutajärvi Glass wants to be an active driver of appreciation for the glass industry. As the appeal of handcrafted glass grows in Finland and internationally, we can build new collaboration, business, and employment around the field”, says Teija Koskinen.
ARTICLES
TEXT: VIESTINTÄTOIMISTO JOKIRANTA
TEOS: JANNE RAHUNEN
“We all want the same thing for Nuutajärvi—continuity.”
- ARI SALMI
An industrialist saw the value of cultural heritage
Ari Salmi, an industrialist from Rauma, has spent his career leading companies. In 2021, he purchased the deteriorating Glass Village and has since invested over three million euros in restoring Nuutajärvi’s protected buildings.
“I saw something irreversible about to happen in Nuutajärvi, and I had the expertise and resources to prevent it,” Salmi says.
Beyond the living glass tradition, Salmi was fascinated by the village’s role as a root of Finnish industry. Nuutajärvi has produced not only glass but also visionaries who built success stories like Stockmann, Tampella, and Paulig.
These enterprising individuals have always maintained close ties to science and culture.
“For example, members of the Törngren family, such as Eva Törngren, were significant patrons. Their wealth helped Elias Lönnrot on his poem-collecting journeys,” Salmi explains.
Salmi says he values the village’s spiritual heritage—a blend of craftsmanship, collaboration, and responsibility.
“Even though business and the art world operate on different principles, we all want the same thing for Nuutajärvi: continuity.”
“I want to treat the historic buildings with the respect they deserve,” says Ari Salmi, who restored the structures of Nuutajärvi’s Glass Village.
Collaboration is the lifeline of the industry
After the restorations, Nuutajärvi once again has the chance to grow into a hub for bold glass innovations and international connections.
For CEO Koskinen, the most important goal is building vitality for the village. She wants to bring jobs, income sources, and new opportunities to Nuutajärvi.
“When the villagers and the artist community thrive, it creates new appeal and exciting activity for the entire Finnish glass industry. Our field is small globally, and open collaboration benefits everyone,” Koskinen says.
Koskinen uses the glassblowing studio as a symbol of effective teamwork: In the studio, anyone—whether a renowned artist or a less experienced blower—can serve as an assistant to another. Glassblowing is delicate and demanding work, where every step is critical to the final result.
“Just like in the studio, the industry as a whole succeeds best together. Collaboration is the lifeline of our field,” Koskinen emphasizes.
“We’re both deeply passionate people for whom continuing Nuutajärvi’s glassmaking tradition is a matter of the heart,” says Teija Koskinen.
A new era, a new hotshop
The investments in Nuutajärvi aren’t over. A new glass center is currently under construction, with a modern glassblowing studio at its core. Over €650,000 has already been invested in the center, including Italian glass furnaces and equipment.
The studio will be completed in summer 2026. Its viewing gallery will seat 200 people, and during the summer, visitors can watch narrated glassblowing demonstrations showcasing techniques and stages of the craft. The goal is for students and recent graduates to practice their skills alongside experienced masters, gaining valuable experience.
In summer 2026, Nuutajärvi Glass will also host its first intensive glassblowing courses. Koskinen believes that modern facilities in a historic setting will create an environment where glass professionals can find peace to challenge their creativity and craftsmanship.
Beginner courses, in turn, will suit new hobbyists and artists who want to experiment with glass as part of their art.
“We want more people to experience the magic of hot glass and see the skill it takes to handle it. A centuries-old tradition can live and renew itself,” Koskinen concludes.
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