The City of Lahti celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2025. The Lahti120 illustrations were part of the anniversary’s visual identity. The works draw on Lahti’s history, everyday life and urban culture. They present different layers of the city in a clear and recognisable style.
An animation titled The Story of Lahti was also released during the anniversary year. It tells the story of the city’s origins, development and identity.
– Having the anniversary illustrations and The Story of Lahti animation prominently featured in a respected exhibition shows that originality is more interesting than trying to imitate something else, says illustrator Vesa-Matti Juutilainen.
It is great that Lahti’s 120th anniversary continues in this way in Mikkeli, he adds.
The Mikkeli Illustration Triennial is an annual event that highlights the diversity and uses of contemporary illustration. The exhibition is on display at the Mikkeli Art Museum from 13 June to 13 September 2026.
Watch The Story of Lahti animation on YouTube