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Pressed by the devil , shaped by the future

Curly birch shines in Aalto University’s Wood Studio’s fresh perspectives at the Craft Museum of Finland’s summer exhibition.
Abstract structure of pale rods and rough wooden planks against a light blue background
Designer: Nhung Pham, photo: Iris Kärkkäinen

“Curly birch – the tree pressed by the devil” is on display in Jyväskylä through August 30, 2026.

Curly birch serves as an inspiring testbed for young designers: on view are, among other things, intriguing explorations combining light and curly birch, as well as furniture design that brings together craftsmanship, art, digital design, and a fresh, open-minded vision of wood design.

The exhibition is the result of broad collaboration and features Finland’s leading curly birch experts and practitioners: Lusto – The Finnish Forest Museum, Aalto University, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Pro Puu Association, the Craft Museum of Finland, and Visaseura ry.

Wood Studio is a teaching chair focused on promoting the use of wood, part of the Interior Architecture major in Aalto University’s Department of Architecture, led by Mikko Paakkanen and Karola Sahi.

More information about the exhibition is available on the Craft Museum of Finland’s website.

Close-up of a light wooden side table with a thick, patterned top and simple joined legs
Designer: Annika Tuovinen, photo: Iris Kärkkäinen
Curving silver metal in organic shapes set into a pale textured wooden block
Designer: Iiri Repo, photo: Iris Kärkkäinen
Person peeks from behind tall beige panel with spiral grooves, outdoors in soft light
Designer: Vilma Vanhanen, photo: Iris Kärkkäinen
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