Nuutajärvi

NUUTAJÄRVI – Where finnish art glass was born

Founded in 1793, Nuutajärvi is Finland's oldest glassworks and one of the country's most important names in glassmaking. Established in the forests of southern Finland, the factory was built where wood for the glass furnaces was abundant—a practical decision that laid the foundation for more than two centuries of craftsmanship.

For much of its early history, Nuutajärvi produced practical glassware such as window glass, bottles and household items. During the twentieth century, however, the factory evolved into one of Finland's leading centres for artistic glass, helping shape the future of Finnish glass design.
Designers such as Kaj Franck, Gunnel Nyman, Saara Hopea, Oiva Toikka, Kerttu Nurminen and Markku Salo transformed Nuutajärvi into a place where creativity and craftsmanship flourished. Their work continues to inspire collectors and glass artists around the world.
Today, Nuutajärvi is celebrated not only for its beautiful glass, but also for the remarkable artistic legacy that helped define modern Finnish glassmaking.

Timeline

1793 – Nuutajärvi Glassworks is founded by Jacob Wilhelm Depont and Harald Furuhjelm, becoming Finland's oldest glassworks.
1800s – The factory produces window glass, bottles and everyday household glass.
1850s – Under owner Adolf Törngren, Nuutajärvi is modernised. Pressed glass production begins, skilled craftsmen arrive from Central Europe, and the historic glass village starts to take shape.
1913 – Nuutajärvi becomes part of the Karhula-Iittala company, beginning a new chapter in Finnish glassmaking.
1950 – A major fire destroys the glasshouse. The factory is rebuilt, marking the beginning of a new era in Finnish glass design.
1951 – Kaj Franck is appointed Artistic Director, beginning one of the most influential periods in Finnish glass design.
1963 – Oiva Toikka joins Nuutajärvi as a designer.
1972 – Oiva Toikka creates the first Birds by Toikka collection.
1988 – The Nuutajärvi glass factory merged with Iittala (forming Iittala-Nuutajärvi under the Ahlström group). Following this merger, glass produced in Nuutajärvi was marketed under the Iittala name, although production and traditions continued in the old glass village until later changes.
2014 – Industrial glass production in Nuutajärvi comes to an end. The village begins a new chapter as an independent centre for glass artists, studios and cultural heritage.
Today – More than 230 years after its founding, Nuutajärvi remains one of Finland's most respected names in glassmaking, inspiring collectors and artists around the world.

Why collectors love Nuutajärvi

Collectors value Nuutajärvi for its unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and artistic innovation. Unlike many factories focused on large-scale production, Nuutajärvi became a place where designers were encouraged to experiment freely, resulting in some of Finland's most celebrated glass. From elegant everyday glassware to world-renowned art glass, Nuutajärvi continues to be admired for its originality, quality and lasting influence on Scandinavian design.
Collectors around the world continue to seek original Nuutajärvi pieces for their craftsmanship, rarity and artistic significance. Whether created for everyday use or as studio art glass, each piece reflects the creativity and skill that have defined Nuutajärvi for more than two centuries.

Nuutajärvi legends

Gunnel Nyman

The pioneer of Finnish art glass

Discover the works of Gunnel Nyman

Saara Hopea

The queen of timeless elegance

Discover the works of Saara Hopea

Kaj Franck

The visionary of modern Finnish glass

Discover the works of Kaj Franck

Oiva Toikka

Most iconic art glass collection - Birds by Toikka

Discover the works of Oiva Toikka

Did you know?

Nuutajärvi is Finland's oldest glassworks
Founded in 1793, Nuutajärvi has been producing glass for more than 230 years, making it Finland's oldest glassworks.
The factory was built in the forest
Early glass furnaces consumed enormous amounts of firewood. That is why Nuutajärvi was established deep in the forests, where timber was plentiful.
Nuutajärvi helped shape Finnish design
Under the guidance of visionary designers, Nuutajärvi became one of the places where modern Finnish glass design developed its distinctive style, combining craftsmanship with artistic innovation.

Nuutajärvi gave artists creative freedom
From the 1950s onwards, Nuutajärvi became known for encouraging designers to experiment with new techniques, colours and forms, helping shape modern Finnish art glass.
Many design classics were created here
Some of Finland's most celebrated glass designs, including Flora, Birds by Toikka and Kaj Franck's KF series, together with the pioneering works of Gunnel Nyman and Saara Hopea, were created at Nuutajärvi and continue to be admired by collectors around the world.
The glass village still lives on
Although industrial glass production ended in 2014, the historic village of Nuutajärvi remains home to artists' studios and continues its centuries-old glassmaking tradition.