The City of Helsinki is building the first facility in Finland dedicated exclusively to storing and saying farewell to the deceased in the Malmi Cemetery area.
Construction has progressed according to plan, and the facade of the building was completed during the autumn. The aim is to finish paving and planting in the yard area by the end of October.
Work continues inside the building, where the installation of lifts in the storage towers will begin. The towers have storage places for nearly 300 deceased, who will be transported by means of special automatic lifts.
At the same time, the finishing touches will be added to the rooms where loved ones can say their farewells to the deceased. The architecture has been designed to create a calming atmosphere, using light colours, round shapes and natural light.
The building was designed by Verstas Architects. Construction is being carried out by Peab Oy.
Planned to enter into service next spring
Once the Malmi mortuary is completed, it will be used to centralise the storage of Helsinki's deceased from hospitals and nursing homes. The building is a response to a growing need, as the number of deceased in Helsinki is increasing while storage space in e.g. nursing homes is being reduced.
The building will have a total of four rooms where loved ones can say their farewells. Two of the rooms will also offer an opportunity for loved ones to wash the deceased.
The building is scheduled to enter into service in late spring 2026. The mortuary will be operated by the City of Helsinki Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division.
