Paimio Sanatorium

Paimio Sanatorium (Finnish: Paimion parantola; Swedish: Pemars sanatorium) is a former tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Southwest Finland, designed by Finnish architects Alvar and Aino Aalto. The Aaltos won the architectural competition for the project in 1929, and the building was completed in 1933. It soon received critical acclaim both in Finland and abroad and became one of the best-known works of Finnish modernist architecture. The building was originally used exclusively as a tuberculosis sanatorium. As tuberculosis treatment changed following the introduction of effective drug therapies, the institution was subsequently converted to general hospital use. The building was used as a hospital until the 21st century. In 2026, plans were announced to transform the sanatorium into a hotel and international meeting and cultural venue, with wellness facilities, while retaining and restoring significant elements of the Aaltos' design. The sanatorium was designed as an integrated environment for the treatment and recovery of tuberculosis patients. Architecture, furniture, lighting, colour, acoustics, ventilation and access to sunlight and nature were all considered as parts of the patients' experience. The Aaltos designed the building's interiors and furniture as part of the overall project; several of the designs, including the Paimio chair, subsequently entered commercial production through Artek. In July 2026, the sanatorium, along with other Aalto Works, was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.