Finland dignitaries celebrate Saarinen landmarks in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus is home to four National Historic Landmarks designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, an extraordinary concentration of work by the Finnish father and son. Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) recently hosted Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, Finland’s consul general in New York, and Jaana Sareva for a visit to the properties.    

The tour began downtown at First Christian Church, designed by Eliel Saarinen. It then continued at Cummins Inc.’s Irwin Conference Center, originally Irwin Union Bank and Trust, designed by Eero Saarinen. They then visited Miller House and Garden, designed by Eero Saarinen, and finished at The LEX, formerly North Christian Church, designed by Eero Saarinen.    

Together, the four Saarinen properties account for more than half of Columbus’ seven National Historic Landmarks.   

“Every Finn grows up with Eliel Saarinen’s landmarks in and around Helsinki,” said Jarmo Sareva. “To come to Columbus and experience both Eliel’s and Eero’s masterpieces is to appreciate the extraordinary legacy of a Finnish father and son whose vision helped shape Finland’s identity while leaving an enduring mark on American architecture. That is a source of great pride for Finland.”   

At lunch, the Sarevas met with Mayor Mary Ferdon, who also serves on the LCF Board of Directors, and civic and institutional leaders involved with the stewardship of Columbus’ design legacy.