Helsinki Central Station has replaced its iconic wooden doors with modern sliding glass doors. The heavy timber doors that once marked the entrance to the platform area have been removed following a decision made in the third quarter last year. The station's owner, VR Group, implemented the change as part of the station's ongoing renovation plan.
The primary motivation behind the door replacement was accessibility. The old wooden doors presented significant challenges for passengers with luggage, strollers, or wheelchairs. With up to 100,000 people passing through these doors daily, the heavy doors created bottlenecks and accessibility barriers during peak travel times.
Project manager Jani Jääskeläinen explained the reasoning behind the decision. 'The heavy doors were difficult to navigate, especially for people with strollers or wheelchairs,' he said. 'We didn't consider these doors part of the original facade worth preserving, which made it possible to implement more functional, accessible door solutions.'
The newly installed sliding doors and windbreak structures also improve conditions inside the station hall. The old oak doors often remained open during rush hours, allowing cold air to flow into the station. The new configuration significantly enhances comfort for both passengers and business tenants operating in the station area.
Historical context reveals these weren't the station's original doors anyway. According to the building's original architect Eliel Saarinen's designs, the platform and kiosk hall were initially conceived as 'cold space' without doors. Doors were only added in the 1950s following a fire at the station. The recently removed doors, while styled after the 1950s originals, were actually only 25 years old, having been installed in 2000 during platform covering work.
Passenger reactions have been mixed. While many appreciate the improved functionality, some mourn the loss of aesthetic charm. 'The sliding doors are much more convenient when people have lots of luggage,' observed passenger Jaakko Meriläinen. His wife Aila added, 'In terms of beauty, the new doors don't compare to the old wooden doors.'
The renovation represents a practical compromise between preserving historical character and meeting modern accessibility standards. Similar accessibility upgrades have been implemented across Nordic transportation hubs in recent years, reflecting the region's strong commitment to universal design principles. The station's comprehensive renovation began several years ago and is scheduled for completion next summer, with the remaining wooden doors in other passageways also slated for replacement in the coming months.
For international visitors and residents with mobility challenges, these changes mark a significant improvement in navigating Finland's busiest transportation hub. The updates align with broader Nordic trends toward creating more inclusive public spaces while maintaining architectural integrity where possible.