Vyborg Library

The Municipal library in Viipuri, Finland (now Vyborg, Russia) was an internationally design by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The library, built in 1933-35, used to be famous for its wave-formed ceiling (now destroyed) in the auditorium.

Its importance lies in the fact that the design went through a profound transformation from the original architectural competition proposal in 1927, designed in a classical style (owing much to Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund) to the final building, completed eight years later in a purist modernist style (influenced by Le Corbusier).

The building was damaged during WWII, and remained empty for a decade. During the 1950s schemes were drawn up for its restoration — including a version in the Stalinist classical style typical of the time.

The building is now included in the Russian Federation's list of objects of historical and cultural heritage. Russian and Finnish committees have been founded to promote the restoration of the building, which has been progressing piecemeal, while the building remains in public use.

The library was later the starting point for a very different kind of art project, a film titled What's the time in Vyborg? (2002) by Finnish-American artist Liisa Roberts. Roberts was challenging the introspective view Finns have of their former city, by organising and filming writing workshops arranged for local Vyborg youths.