In Nordic culture, the summer home is a place for peace, reflection, and quiet retreat; an escape to nature, and—for Finnish architects—a breeding ground for new ideas and designs.

My Paradise: A Hundred Years of Finnish Architects' Homes is a three-month photography exhibit highlighting the summer villas of 20th-century architects. Nordic Northwest, a local foundation that embraces the cultures of Finland, Norway, and Iceland, will host the exhibit at southwest Portland's Nordia House. It kicks off with an opening reception on Thursday, March 16, with photographer Jari Jetsonen and architect Sirkkaliisa Jetsonen—who designed and curated the world-traveling exhibit—in attendance.

Nordia House is a cultural center that hosts a variety of Nordic exhibits, activities, and events year-round. The grounds contain an impressive Scandinavian antique collection, and an in-house Swedish cafe, Broder Soder—sibling to the popular Broder outposts on Southeast Clinton and North Interstate.

As part of Portland Design Week, there will be an open house of My Paradise on April 26. The exhibit runs through June 15.

My Paradise: A Hundred Years of Finnish Architects' Homes
March 15–June 15
Nordia House, 8800 SW Oleson Road
Free
www.scanheritage.org