Helsinki’s Ateneum expands role of audio with Genelec Smart IP

Named after the temple of Greek Goddess Athena – who represents knowledge, wisdom and protection of the state – Helsinki’s Ateneum has been a symbol of Finland’s quest to empower its population with diverse perspectives since its opening day in 1888. Today, Ateneum is home to many of the country’s finest artworks, dating from the 18th century to the 1970s.

The museum is an internationally recognised gem – amongst the world’s most prestigious art galleries – and has attracted over half a million annual visitors in recent years. As the gallery has developed supporting experiences over the years, they have relied upon the expertise and premium-audio-quality loudspeaker solutions of Genelec, forming a long-lasting bond. So, when they envisioned a captivating new fusion of sound and art, they were curious to try the convenience of our advanced Smart IP Technology.

Reflecting industry-wide acknowledgement that audiovisual experiences are increasingly driving engagement in public spaces, Museum Director Anna-Maria von Bonsdorff says, “Audio is something that has been growing every year at Ateneum.", adding that, “It's been important to introduce some other levels of receiving art and maybe heighten the senses in a way, and to give a special moment for the audiences, which they really appreciate.”

Indeed, visitors have expressed their enjoyment of the new deeper sound experience at Ateneum. While reminiscing about the gallery's recent collection of seascapes, von Bonsdorff says, “We had a very smooth soundscape, that if you sat by yourself, without any hustle and bustle and noise, you could hear the waves.”, emphasising that, “quite many visitors asked, ‘Is this real?’, they were so immersed.”

At this point, von Bonsdorff feels that “Sometimes music is so relevant, you can't even think about having the paintings without it.” She goes on to say, “We are focussing that every exhibition would be really different from each other.”, and this is a goal that is far simpler to reach, time and again, with the addition of high-quality audio as part of visual art exhibitions.

Ateneum’s AV Technician Hannu Ikola, who is delighted with how the system has eased the museum’s work, reveals that, “Genelec's Smart IP Series offers us a lot of advantages. We can basically run everything into one single cable, audio and power, and control everything remotely.”, adding that, “We can fine tune levels and switch sources and manage the content or make changes for different exhibitions without physically touching the actual installation.”

Reflecting on a long-standing relationship with Ateneum, Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian notes that, "Since our founding in 1978, we have recognised the enormous importance of the arts and culture – both for sustaining our business and for the well-being of communities. We remain committed to the promotion of creative and cultural expression, and this is a mission we gladly share with Ateneum, who we have proudly worked with for many years to spread the joy and richness of the arts."

You can learn more about audio at Ateneum and the gallery's experience with Smart IP in our exclusive video. Simply click the play button to watch.