Nicknamed “Beehive” for its resemblance to a bee’s nest, the Pendant Light A331 is among the most famous designs from revered Finnish architect and furniture maker Alvar Aalto (1898–1976).
In 1951, Aalto won a competition to design the main campus of a research university in Jyväskylä, where he had spent much of his childhood. Aalto also operated his studio in the small Finnish town from 1923 to 1933, when he and his first wife, Aino, relocated to Helsinki. In designing eight buildings for the University of Jyväskylä, Aalto planned a campus that echoed the layout of a Greek acropolis — Jyväskylä residents referred to their town as the “Athens of Finland” for its education focus, and the architect took this comparison to heart, prioritizing open-air civic space and other innovations. And just as he and Aino designed the Paimio armchair and all other furnishings for their famed tuberculosis sanatorium project — a masterpiece of functionalism — Aalto also specified furniture and interiors for his structures in Jyväskylä. The Beehive pendant was introduced in 1953 as part of the commission.
The Beehive pendant light’s elegant spherical shape is framed by five bands of handspun aluminum. But it’s the perforated steel rings underneath this multipart “shade” that comprise the unsung hero of the pendant — they provide for a diffusion of light that gives the Beehive a soft glow. The fixture is still manufactured by Artek, the company Alvar and Aino helped cofound in 1935. Within its 13-inch diameter, the Beehive pendant light encompasses many of Alvar Aalto’s most recognizable calling cards: reference to nature, sculptural form, thoughtful mechanics and overall warmth.
Early Alvar Aalto A332 Beehive Pendant in White & Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto´s most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The design is incredibly simple and takes from nature as it m...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Beehive Lamp Model No. A332 Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare Beehive lamp model no. A332 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland. Measure: Height: 35 (80) cm.
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto, Beehive Pendant Light, model A332, made by Valaistustyö, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto (Finland 1898-1976) Beehive Pendant Light, model A332 made by Valaistustyö, Finland constructed from six white enamelled metal bands with pierced polished brass mounts to...
Metal, Brass
Early & Rare Alvar Aalto A32 Beehive Pendant, White & Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto’s most iconic lighting designs—an early and rare version of the Model A 32 pendant with three light bulbs and six metal slats, unlike the more common singl...
Metal, Brass
$850Sale Price|39% Off
Artek A331 Beehive Aluminum Pendant Lamp
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Astoria, NY
Artek A331 Beehive Aluminum Pendant Lamp, 20th century, designed by Alvar Aalto, with chrome-plated pierced rings. 28" H x 13" Diameter. Provenance: From the New York City Collection...
Aluminum, Chrome
$850Sale Price|39% Off
Artek A331 Beehive Aluminum Pendant Lamp
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Astoria, NY
Artek A331 Beehive Aluminum Pendant Lamp, 20th century, designed by Alvar Aalto, with chrome-plated pierced rings. 28" H x 13" Diameter. Provenance: From the New York City Collection...
Aluminum, Chrome
Ceiling Lamp Mode A332 “Beehive” Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp model A332 “Beehive” designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo, Finland, 1953. Painted aluminium and polished brass. Early six tier version. Stamped, 'VAlAISTUSTYO A33...
Aluminum, Brass
Ceiling Lamp ‘Beehive’ Model A332 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp model A332 “Beehive” designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo, Finland, 1953. Painted aluminium and polished brass. Early six tier version. Stamped, 'VAlAISTUSTYO A33...
Aluminum, Brass
$1,776
H 17.33 in Dm 6.3 in
Set of 2 Alvar Aalto A110 Hand Grenade Pendant Lamps in Black with Brass Detail
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very nice sleek hanging lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for the building of the Finnish Engineers Association and the council chamber of the town hall of Säynätsalo. The lamp with model...
Metal, Brass
$35,999
H 61.03 in W 26.78 in D 11.42 in
Alvar Aalto 'Triplets' Pendant Model A 203 In Brass & Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stunning mid-century pendant by Alvar Aalto in red and brass and manufactured by Valaistustyö Finland, 1950s. This lamp is one of our favourite Alvar Aalto pendants and seems to be...
Metal, Brass
Cyclone Chandelier Pendant Lamp, Chrome Silver, Aluminum
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in New York, NY
Cyclone chandelier pendant lamp, chrome silver, aluminum. The smaller scale version of this ribbon light fixture. Constructed of polished aluminum b...
Aluminum
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp "Turnip" Model A333 in Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
Was Alvar Aalto inspired by a turnip in designing this lamp or was it called turnip later on because of the resemblance? No matter the answer, the design of this lamp is inspiring an...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto A335B Pendant Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s, this pendant lamp is a classic example of Scandinavian design. The layered, dome-shaped shade creates soft, diffused light, making it perfect fo...
Metal
From $714 / item
+ 1 moreH 6.7 in Dm 16.54 in
Podgy Honeycomb Diffused Aluminum Dimmable Pendant Lamp
By Please Wait to be Seated
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by a photographer’s use of light equipment, PODGY strives to create an accurate illumination that serves the needs of everyday life. By combining several classic elements fr...
Aluminum
Alvar Aalto, original 1950s pendant A335A, Valaistustyö Ky
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Step into the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design with the original 1950s pendant A335A by Alvar Aalto. This iconic piece, produced by Valaistustyö Ky, is presented in its origi...
Metal
Alvar Aalto A805 ‘Angel Wing’ Floor Lamp for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto A805 ‘Angel Wing’ Floor Lamp for Artek. Designed in 1954. New, current production. Floor Light A805 features a hand-riveted shade formed from d...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto "Beehive" Pendant Model A331 In Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto's most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The design is incredibly simple and takes from nature as it mimics the hanging beehives on a...
Metal, Brass
$3,250Sale Price|50% Off
H 33.5 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in
Paul Mayen Multi-Reflector Pendant Lamp, Polished Aluminum
By Paul Mayen, Habitat International
Located in New York, NY
Paul Mayen multi-reflector pendant lamp, polished aluminum. Small hard edge geometric form pendant lamp which the 1973 Habitat Catalogue identifies a...
Aluminum
Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland. 1950's. Lacquered metal. Dimensions H: 21 cm / 8 1/8" W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8" D: 33 cm / 8 1/8" Provenance: From Stora Enso'...
Metal
Alvar Aalto, 1950s pendant A335B, Valaistustyö KY, Finland
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover timeless elegance with the Alvar Aalto 1950s Pendant A335B from Valaistustyö KY, Finland. This iconic piece, in its original condition and striking black color, embodies the...
Metal
Sold
H 13.78 in Dm 13 in
Alvar Aalto, Original Production Large Size Beehive Lamp, Valaistustyo Ky, 1953
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto (Finnish 1898-1976) Beehive Pendant Light, model A332 constructed from six dark blue enamelled aluminium bands with pierced polished brass mounts to diffuse the light sta...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 13 in
Pair of ceiling lamps 'Beehive' model A332 designed by Alvar Aalto, 1952, Red
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of ceiling lamps ‘Beehive’ model A332 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo, Finland, 1952. Painted aluminum and polished brass. Stamped. H: 30 c...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 13.78 in Dm 12.6 in
Alvar Aalto Beehive Pendant Light in Black, model A332, for Valaistutstyo, 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
One of Alvar Aalto's most iconic lighting designs, the Beehive pendant light was devised in 1953 for use in Finland's University of Jyväskylä. ...
Aluminum, Brass
alvar aalto pendant lamp A337 Valaisinpaja Oy
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar aalto design A337. It often called Flying Saucer. Warm light spreading like ripples.
Aluminum
Alvar Aalto A331 "Beehive" Pendant Light, 1950s, Valaistustyö Ky Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Turku, Finland
The iconic ‘Beehive' ceiling lamp by Artek fills your dining or living room with beautiful atmospheric light. The Ceiling lamp A331 was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1953. The 'Beehive'...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Artek Pendant Light A331 “Beehive“ by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
The A331, nicknamed “Beehive,” is one of Alvar Aalto’s most popular lighting designs. Suitable for homes and public spaces alike, “Beehive” creates a warm, diffuse light when switche...
Aluminum, Steel
Alvar Aalto A331 "Beehive" Pendant Light, 1950s, Valaistustyö Ky Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Turku, Finland
The iconic ‘Beehive' ceiling lamp by Artek fills your dining or living room with beautiful atmospheric light. The Ceiling lamp A331 was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1953. The 'Beehive'...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Early Alvar Aalto A331 Beehive Pendant
By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully organic A331 "beehive" pendant light by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland for the Jyva¨skyla¨ University, the lamp features alternating white enameled and perforat...
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 11.62 in Dm 15.36 in L 11.62 in
Ceiling Lamp ‘Beehive’ Model A331 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finland. 1953. Painted aluminium and polished brass. Measures: H 29,5 cm/ 11 3/4" D 39 cm/ 15 3/8".
Aluminum, Brass
Alvar Aalto, Original Production Larger Size Beehive Lamp, Valaistustyo Ky
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo Ky, Finland circa 1953. An original "Beehive" lamp in the much less often seen larger version which features 6 rings rather than the usual five. White en...
Metal
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 13 in
"Beehive" Ceiling Lamp Model A331 by Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja OY, Finland 1960s
By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hägersten, SE
Ceiling lamp model A331 or "beehive" designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaisinpaja in Finland during the 1960s. Made from white lacquered aluminum and perforated brass. Very good...
Aluminum, Brass
Early Alvar Aalto A331 Beehive Pendant
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully organic A331 "beehive" pendant light by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland for the Jyva¨skyla¨ University, the lamp features alternating white enameled and perforat...
Brass, Metal
