Svenska Klubben i Helsingfors (The Swedish Club of Helsinki) is a Swedish-speaking social club located in Helsinki, Finland. Its purpose is to enable Swedish-speaking men to form personal contacts, enjoy comfortable social gatherings, and to promote Swedish cultural work in Finland. [1] [2] [3]
The club’s origins date back to the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Early activities resembling the club can be traced back to 1814, when it was known as Borgerliga klubben and Konversationsklubben i Helsingfors (The Bourgeois Club and The Conversation Club in Helsinki). [2]
The club was officially founded on September 26, 1880, at the initiative of Professor Axel Olof Freudenthal, who also became its first chairman. Freudenthal was a known advocate for the status of the Swedish language and was a key figure in the Finland-Swedish movement. [2]
During the 19th century, the club operated at several different addresses. From 1902 to 1932, it was located at what is known as the “Marble Palace” on Fabianinkatu 15 at Kasarmitori. The current club building at Maurinkatu 6 was purchased from industrialist Ossian Donne r in 1931. The house was designed by the Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer and was completed in 1901. Donner's wife Violet McHutchenin influenced the construction and style of the building. [1] [2]
The membership of the Svenska Klubben consists of representatives of the elite of society and business life. In 1919, the club had over 600 members; by 1947, this number had grown to more than 1,100. Today, the club has over 600 members. [4] [2] [3]
The present clubhouse is in Kruununhaka at Maurinkatu 6. The building reflects Scottish and English architectural styles and once served as the British Embassy in Helsinki. It contains several meeting and banquet rooms and a high-quality restaurant, which is also open to the public. [1] [2]
Previously, on the same site there had stood a wooden house owned by the Armfelt family, which was demolished after Donner acquired the plot. Mauritzinkatu, also called Maurinkatu, was named after count Gustav Mauritz Armfelt. Liisankatu, which runs along another outer wall of the building, was in turn named after Empress Elisabeth of Russia. [5]
Svenska Klubben’s activities have been diverse, offering its members opportunities for socialising, conversation, chess, billiards, card games, and accessing information from the club’s library and reading room. The club has also played a role in civic discussions; its members have been instrumental in founding, for example, the newspaper Nya Pressen, the Swedish Literature Society, and the Swedish People's Party of Finland. [2]
The club has assembled within the house a distinguished collection of valuable objects and rare works of art, all of which are on display for visitors. Among the most striking pieces are a magnificent longcase clock, once presented by Queen Eleonora of Sweden to her lady-in-waiting, Baroness Emerentia von Düben, as well as an antique Steinway grand piano that remains in use to this day. In addition, the numerous paintings and artworks adorning the walls, together with the splendid gilt-framed mirrors, serve to enhance the stately and historically significant atmosphere of the house. [5]
The club organises various annual celebrations and significant events for its members, such as Runeberg Day, the Day of Swedishness, and a festive Christmas lunch. The club has several sister clubs both in Finland and abroad. [2]
In 2022, Prince Michael of Kent visited the premises of the Svenska Klubben. Prince Michael attended a gala organised by the British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland. The Prince visited Finland to promote investment and trade relations. [6]
The Commonwealth Club meets on the club premises, focusing on the promotion of trade within the Commonwealth of Nations. The premises have also hosted the Lord Mayor of London’s Big Curry Lunch, which supports British war veterans. [7] [8]
The restaurant at the Svenska Klubben is open to the public during lunch from Wednesday to Friday. The club’s premises are available for private events, such as meetings, seminars, dinners, parties, and weddings. [9]