Kahn and Aalto meet in Kuressaare, Estonia
In September, two shapers of modern architectural language — Louis Kahn and Alvar Aalto — will meet in Kuressaare, Estonia.
These iconic figures both have a direct connection to Estonia: Kahn was born on the island of Saaremaa, while Aalto designed his very first private residence outside Finland right here in Estonia, in Tähtvere, Tartu.
In September 2026, internationally renowned architectural thinkers will gather in Kuressaare to explore how architecture and the home foster a sense of belonging, security, and happiness. An exhibition, film days, and an international seminar will link the legacy of Louis Kahn and Alvar Aalto to contemporary questions about the relationships between people, space, and well-being.
The events of the international program dedicated to the 125th anniversary of Louis I. Kahn’s birth include:
- September–17 October 2026: International exhibition ”Places That Create Happiness. The Houses Designed by Louis I. Kahn and Alvar Aalto” at the Kuressaare Raegalerii.
- 14–27 September 2026: Kahn Film Days in Kuressaare in cooperation with the Thule Centre.
- 18 September 2026: International architecture seminar in English ” Places That Create Happiness. Louis I. Kahn and the Meaning of Place” in Kuressaare.
On 18 September, an international architecture seminar moderated by Estonian well-known journalist Neeme Raud will take place in Kuressaare, featuring keynote speakers:
- Marco Falsetti – Italian architect, lecturer, and architectural historian. Falsetti is the co-author of Rome and the Legacy of Louis I. Kahn and one of the most distinguished Kahn scholars in Europe.
- Alessandro Vassella – Swiss architect and one of the leading experts on Louis Kahn’s work, as well as a former student of Kahn. He specializes in sustainable architecture and the restoration of historic buildings and has authored and compiled several publications on Kahn.
- Gregory Kahn Melitonov – Architect, lecturer, and co-founder of the architecture firm Taller KEN. Gregory is the grandson of Louis I. Kahn, representing both a familial and professional perspective on the significance of Kahn’s architecture.
- Sirkkaliisa Jetsonen – Finnish architect and author of architectural books who has published extensively on Alvar Aalto, Eliel Saarinen, and Finnish residential architecture. Her research focuses on Nordic architectural heritage and housing culture.
- Per Olaf Fjeld – Norwegian architect, professor emeritus, and former student of Louis Kahn at the University of Pennsylvania. He is internationally recognized as an architect, educator, and writer, and has extensively studied Kahn’s connections to Nordic architecture.
Marju Kõivupuu – Estonian folklorist, cultural historian, author, and lecturer who, alongside her academic research, actively contributes to popularizing Estonian cultural heritage and participating in cultural discussions.
Find out more and join us in Kuressaare to listen, reflect, and engage. The full program: louiskahn.org. After the seminar there will be a curators´ tour on the exhibition.
- Seminar and gala dinner 18.09 (Early Bird until 31.08.26): €135.00
- Seminar (Early Bird until 31.08.26): €60.00
- Student (up to 26 years old) seminar only (Early Bird until 31.08.26): €30.00
- Gala dinner on the evening of 18.09: €85.00
Suggestions for transport and accommodation are available HERE.
The organizer of the seminar is the Louis Kahn Estonian Foundation.
The event is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Enterprise and Innovation Foundation EIS, and Saaremaa Municipality.