What the New Children’s Hospital is
The New Children’s Hospital (Uusi Lastensairaala) is a specialist pediatric hospital in the Meilahti district of Helsinki, Finland. Opened in 2018, it replaced an older facility from the 1940s and was designed to combine advanced medical care with an environment that supports the well-being of children and their families. It is both a healthcare facility and a cultural landmark, with architecture and artwork drawing on Finnish nature and Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories (Moomin.com; SARC Architects; HUS).
The hospital is Finland’s largest specialist pediatric hospital. It serves the Helsinki region and acts as a national referral center for complex cases, including cardiac surgery and organ transplants. Its links with Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) and the University of Helsinki support research, innovation, and ongoing improvement (Forum Virium; HUS).
History
Specialized pediatric care in Helsinki dates back to the mid-20th century. The original Helsinki Children’s Hospital was established in the 1940s and served generations of Finnish children. By the early 21st century, its aging infrastructure no longer met modern medical standards. A 2011 HUS survey confirmed the need for a new, safer, and more comfortable facility.
Planning for the replacement hospital focused on creating a national center for advanced pediatric care. Its funding combined public support with private and corporate donations. The New Children’s Hospital Foundation played a key role in fundraising and continues to support research and training.
Construction was completed in 2018, and the first patients arrived in August of that year (Moomin.com).
Architecture and what to see
SARC Architects and Architect Group Reino Koivula designed the hospital to support efficient medical workflows as well as the emotional well-being of children and families. The nine-floor building has vibrant vertical glass elements, white ceramic tiles, and up to 800 colorful glass windows. Its transparent ground floor and welcoming entrances help it feel open and connected to the Meilahti district (SARC Architects; Aalto University).
Inside, thematic colors, art, and text take inspiration from the Finnish archipelago and Moomin stories. The nine floor themes are Sea, Beach, Jungle, Forest, Valley, Magic, Mountain, Space, and Star. Moomin murals, graphics, and quotes appear throughout the hospital. Natural materials, soft lighting, organic forms, noise reduction, tactile play areas, and abundant natural light contribute to its sensory environment (Moomin.com; Moomin.com; Archinfo Finland; Ramboll; Helvar; Navi Finnish Architecture).
Patients, families, and healthcare professionals contributed to the design process, which emphasized accessibility, safety, and comfort. The project has been described as an example of socially responsible healthcare architecture and integrated, holistic care for children (Aalto University; WHO Observatory). Energy-efficient systems, durable materials, adaptable spaces, natural light, and ventilation support sustainability and the facility’s future use (SARC Architects).
The hospital won the 2018 Finlandia Prize for Architecture for its patient- and family-centered design (Aalto University). Its art, storytelling, and nature motifs also connect it with the wider Helsinki community and reflect a national commitment to well-being (Moomin.com).
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets, and registration
- Visiting hours Generally 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily; hours may vary by department or ward. Check with the ward or the official HUS visiting information for current details.
- Tickets General visitation is free, and no tickets are required. Guided tours may be available occasionally through the New Children’s Hospital Foundation or local tour operators; advance booking may be required.
- Check-in An information desk and self-registration kiosks are near the main entrance. Emergency arrivals use Entrance A.
Location, transport, and accessibility
The hospital is at Stenbäckinkatu 9, on the Meilahti campus. It is accessible by tram, bus, bicycle, and car (HUS.fi). The site has 1,800 bicycle spaces, a parking garage with 100 spaces, electric vehicle charging, and designated parking spaces.
The building has barrier-free access, including wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available to borrow, and guide and assistance dogs are welcome. The hospital also has accessible visitor areas and facilities.
Navigating the hospital and facilities
Color-coding and signage help visitors navigate the nine floors. The first three floors contain outpatient and operational services; patient wards are on the upper floors. An online virtual tour is available through the Koeuusi Lastensairaala Virtual Tour.
Facilities include a cafeteria on the second floor, serving meals, snacks, and beverages; play and activity spaces with organized activities; a parents’ lounge; and a chapel or quiet room open to all for reflection. Online virtual tours and patient instructions are also available through HUS.fi.
Tips for visitors
Keep noise to a minimum, respect privacy, follow hygiene protocols and staff instructions, and avoid photography in clinical areas. Photography is allowed in public spaces, but do not photograph patients. Only guide or assistance dogs are allowed.
For international visitors, Finnish, Swedish, and English are spoken. The currency is the euro; dress for the season. Finland is described as exceptionally safe (Featuring Finland).
The hospital’s construction was a major civic project funded through public and private donations. Its design brings together accessibility, sustainability, art, and technology (PubMed; Healthcare IT News). For current information and virtual experiences, consult the hospital’s official resources. The original guide also recommends considering the Audiala mobile app.
Nearby places
Meilahti’s parks, art museum, and botanical garden offer places to explore near the hospital. The Helsinki University Hospital campus and local museums are also nearby. Other Helsinki highlights named in the guide include Helsinki Cathedral, the National Museum of Finland, the Design District, and the city center (Travel Melodies).
Further information
- Feel the Healing Power of the Moomins at the New Children’s Hospital in Finland – Moomin.com
- New Children’s Hospital – SARC Architects
- Finlandia Prize for Architecture for the New Children’s Hospital – Aalto University
- Official New Children’s Hospital Website – HUS
- Arriving at the New Children’s Hospital – HUS
- Challenge Testing Innovative Technologies at the New Children’s Hospital – Forum Virium Helsinki
- Koeuusi Lastensairaala Virtual Tour
- Travel Melodies – Visiting Helsinki
- PubMed – Community Engagement
- Healthcare IT News – Innovation through Tech and Art
- Featuring Finland – Practical Travel Tips
- New Children’s Hospital in Finland – Moomin.com
- WHO Observatory
- Archinfo Finland
- Ramboll
- Helvar
- Navi Finnish Architecture
FAQ
What are the visiting hours?
Generally 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily. Hours may vary by department or ward, so confirm with the hospital or the relevant ward.
Do I need tickets?
No tickets are required for general visitation. Guided tours may require advance booking.
Is the hospital accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. It has barrier-free access, elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms; wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Are guided tours available?
Occasionally. They may be offered through the New Children’s Hospital Foundation or local tour operators.
Can I take photos inside?
Photography is allowed in public spaces. Do not photograph patients or take photos in clinical areas.
