The church was designed by two Finnish architects who were brothers. They won a design contest to create the National Church. After winning the contest in 1962, the people thought the design was too avant garde and definitely cost too much money to build. In addition, the basis of the design was to blow up a granite outcropping in the city and the environmentalists were not happy about that. Helsinki has many rock outcroppings, and this one of a kind church, used a local feature. The destruction of the granite outcropping started about 5 years later and the church was completed in 1969.
By that time, the locals became used to the idea. Nowadays, everyone seems to like the church. It draws people from all over the world. The church is amazing. Carved out of living rock, domed with a woven copper ceiling and glass windows, it has a very spiritual feeling.
The irregularly shaped windows play with light and shadow. The church changes mood and color depending on the time of day or the weather.
Last time we were here, we heard the organ...this time we heard the piano play. All visitors are asked to remain quiet (and they are quiet) as we all listen to a musician play.
The minimalist altar fits with the design.
It's an amazing church.
The Rock Church is a far cry from the more traditional State Lutheran Church.
No comments:
Post a Comment