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.
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
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
Model A311 "Beehive" Pendant, Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy, Mid-20th Century
By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model A311 "Beehive" pendant, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Valaisinpaja Oy, Mid-20th Century. Painted metal and brass. Marked. Beautiful original condition. Alvar Aalto (1898...
Metal, Brass
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
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
Alvar Aalto Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp, Idman Oy, White, 1960s
By Idman Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This lamp is perfect for Kitchens, counter tops, window fronts, or as lighting for painting walls. It can even be used on the outside balcony for example...
Metal
$12,766Sale Price|30% Off
H 66.93 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A809 By Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Espoo, FI
Early Artek A809 floor lamp, manufactured by Valaistustyö, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1959. The lamp has a brass base, black leather, and a white metal shade. The lamp is in good use...
Metal, Brass
Pendant by Alvar Aalto for Valaistostyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pendant designed by Alvar Aalto to Valaistostyo Ky, Finland. Model A-203, Circa 1950th. Lacquered metal with brass elements. Stamped by manufacturer. Existing wires, rewiring avai...
Metal
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
$5,630
H 66.93 in W 20.48 in D 14.18 in
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp A805 White, Brass & Leather Valaisinpaja 1980s
By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This lamp is a legendary Alvar Aalto design and one of his finest creations. It was first designed in 1954 for the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The name of course comes f...
Metal, Brass
$50,609
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
$4,103
H 7.88 in Dm 18.12 in
Alvar Aalto Slatted White Flush Mount Model. A 622 B Valaisinpaja Artek 1980s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic flush mount model A622B, designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s and manufactured by Valaisinpaja Oy in Finland during the 1980s. Originally created for the National Pensions ...
Metal
Alvar Aalto "Turnip" Pendant 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 A805 floor lamp Valaisinpaja Oy Finland 1970s
By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic A805 ‘Angel wing’ floor lamp designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Valaisinpaja Oy in Finland 1970s. This floor lamp stands as a refined late expression of Alvar Aalto’s...
Aluminum, Brass
$9,403
H 10.63 in Dm 23.23 in
Ceiling Lamp / Flush Mount in White Lacquered Metal by Alvar Aalto, 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceiling Lamp / Flush Mount in White Lacquered Metal by Alvar Aalto, 1950's Additional Information: Material: White lacquered metal Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare ceiling lamp...
Metal
$3,396
H 51.19 in Dm 10.24 in
Alvar Aalto "Beehive" Pendant Model A331, White & Brass, Artek Finland, 1990s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of Alvar Aalto’s most iconic lighting designs, the A331 pendant, commonly known as the “Beehive,” was created in 1953. Its sculptural form is composed of layered rings that filte...
Metal, Brass
$4,331
H 25.6 in Dm 19.69 in
Ceiling Light Model A 335 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling light model A 335 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland. 1952. Brass and lacquered metal. Measurements: Height of the shade: 40 cm/ 15 3/4'' Total height: 65...
Brass, Metal
Alvar Aalto A331 Beehive Pendant Lamp, Aluminum & Chrome, Mid-Century
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
Alvar Aalto A331 Beehive Pendant Lamp, Modern Aluminum & Chrome Design
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
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 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
Sold
H 11.62 in Dm 15.36 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
