07.01.2026
The exhibition VÄREJÄ: Glass, Textiles, Images by artist Markku Piri will open at the Finnish Glass Museum on Friday, 6 February 2026. Following the opening, a gala dinner will be served at Vanajanlinna.
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Markku Piri has designed home textiles, menswear and footwear, glass art, ceramics, tiles, theatre costumes and sets, hotel interiors, exhibition architecture, and has also produced concerts, taught and lectured; he paints, photographs, and bakes. Markku Piri is also the author of the book Vanajanlinna 1924–2024, published in celebration of Vanajanlinna’s 100th anniversary.
Markku Piri - VÄREJÄ: glass, textiles, images will be on display at the Finnish Glass Museum in Riihimäki from 7 February to 12 April 2026. The exhibition opening will take place on Friday, 6 February at 6:00 pm, followed by a celebratory dinner at Vanajanlinna.
he opening of the Glass Museum exhibition culminates the anniversary year of Markku Piri, recipient of the State Design Prize (1986), the Pro Finlandia Medal (2017), and the Grand Prize of the Finnish Cultural Foundation (2018). The exhibition spans works from 1962 to 2025, bringing brand-new pieces into dialogue with works from previous decades. While glass art plays a central role, a wide range of materials and approaches are presented in a captivating way, including textiles, serigraphs, and paintings. And the colours glow!
Markku Piri’s exhibition at the Museum of Finnish Handicrafts from September to December 2025 attracted a record number of visitors and received enthusiastic praise as a “total work of art.” The Glass Museum exhibition differs distinctly in its architecture and focus and also includes new works created specifically for this exhibition.
Performing at the opening will be soprano Kaisa Ranta and pianist Tuula Hällström.
After the opening, guests will proceed to Vanajanlinna for a three-course gala dinner designed by Head Chef Tuomas Vierelä. The evening will include a speech by Markku Piri as well as performances by soprano Kaisa Ranta and pianist Tuula Hällström.
Gala Dinner Menu
Jerusalem artichoke soup, apple and organig egg
Braised Arctic char, Lapland Puikula potatoes and Vin Jaune sauce
Chocolate tart, honey and raisin
Dinner ticket price 89 €/person
incl. welcoming drink and three-course gala dinner
The accommodation package includes one night’s stay with breakfast and a dinner ticket for the gala dinner.
Package prices:
Ratsulan Standard-room for one 198 € or for two 287 €
Main Castle area Standard-room for one 208 € or for two 297 €
Main Castle area Superior-room for one 228 € or for two 317 €
Accommodation packages must be booked no later than 14 days in advance via the website book.vanajanlinna.fiusing the event booking code 060226.
Accommodation packages are paid at the time of booking in the online reservation system. Prepaid accommodation packages are non-refundable.
Markku Piri will arrange bus transportation from Vanajanlinna to the Finnish Glass Museum and back. Transportation fee: 10 €/person (round trip).
Transportation reservations by email: markku.piri@piri-piri.fi
Transportation schedule:
Departure from Vanajanlinna main building at 17.05
Arrival to the Finnish Glass Museum at 17.40
Departure from the Museum at 19.15
Arrival to Vanajanlinna at 19.50
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