The EUmies Awards

The European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture / Mies van der Rohe Awards (EUmies Awards) returns to Oulu, European Capital of Culture 2026, with an exhibition at AaltoSiilo, following the city's announcement of the EUmies Awards 2026 winners last April.

From 6 to 30 August, the exhibition presents the winners and finalists of the EUmies Awards 2026, together with a selection of Finnish works nominated for the Prize. Presented in one of Alvar and Aino Aalto's lesser-known industrial buildings, the exhibition provides an overview of the key debates shaping contemporary European architecture while establishing a dialogue between the Finnish architectural context and the works recognised in this edition. Alongside this exhibition, AaltoSiilo is also hosting Naisia Aalloilla, an exhibition by photographer Elina Brotherus, dedicated to the work of Alvar and Aino Aalto.

The exhibition forms part of the Alvar Aalto Week programme, bringing together activities, lectures, visits and discussions exploring Alvar Aalto's legacy and the role of architecture in contemporary society. As part of the programme, Ivan Blasi, Director of the EUmies Awards, will give a presentation on the EUmies Awards 2026, outlining the Awards selection process and sharing the main discussions that emerged during the jury's deliberations on the environmental, social and cultural challenges addressed by contemporary European architecture.