Arkki School of Architecture for Children and Youth experienced exciting and memorable moments on Wednesday, March 5 2025, when our school had the great honour of hosting prestigious guests.

Their Majesties, King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark visited Arkki in Exhibition Centre WeeGee with the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and Mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb. The visit of the royal and the presidential couples was part of the official program of the state visit of the royal couple to Finland on March 4–5, 2025.

Our school’s principal, Jaana Räsänen, and leading teacher, Niina Hummelin, welcomed the guests alongside a group of students. The principal began the visit by introducing Arkki’s aims and activities. Malene Abildgaard from the Utzon Center shared insights into Danish architecture education and an innovative material, a building block grown from fungal mycelium. The block was incorporated into the future city model created by Arkki’s students. At the end of the visit, the leading teacher encouraged the students and guests to discuss future architecture and innovations.

The students had the honour of presenting their future houses to the royal and presidential couples and answering many inspirational questions posed by them. The warm and immediate atmosphere and the meaningful and genuine interactions with the guests strengthened the students’ experience of being heard on a topic important to them.

We are grateful for the honour of hosting the royal and presidential guests and the opportunity to present Arkki’s activities as part of the unique Finnish Basic Education in the Arts system. The warm and unique encounters will remain unforgettable in our minds.

Thank you! Tak!