Culture, creativity and art

Culture and art connect people and reduce loneliness. Libraries, music and exhibitions provide experiences open to everyone. Choirs and other hobby groups bring joy, and you can also enjoy culture at home with the help of remote services or by doing things yourself.

Think about what kind of creativity, cultural activities and art you have in your life now or have had in your life before? If you wanted more creativity, cultural activities and art in your life, what would it be?

Find things you enjoy or try something new!

Participate in cultural events

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, established in 1882, is the longest operating professional symphony orchestra in the Nordic countries.

Free concerts at Musiikkitalo

Browse Musiikkitalo’s events with free entrance.

Library events

Libraries organise a variety of programme around Helsinki. Find events at your local library!

Culture and art | Lähellä.fi (in finnish)

Cultural and art events organised by organisations in Helsinki. Activities are mostly in finnish.

Cultural activities at service centres

The service centre is an open meeting place for retired and unemployed people in Helsinki. You can participate in the activities at any service centre regardless of where you live.

Find events

The tapahtumat.hel.fi website is an easy and convenient way to find events organised in Helsinki.

Culture at adult education centres and libraries

Cultural events at the Adult Education Centre and Swedish Adult Education Centre Arbis

Literature, theatre, art and music courses and events at the Adult Education Centre and the Swedish Adult Education Centre Arbis.

Libraries

In Helsinki, you are always close to a library! Find stories, events, facilities and encounters at one of our 38 libraries and two mobile libraries.

Art in the city

Public art in Helsinki

Helsinki Urban Art

Nainen Marie-bad saunan sisäänkäynnillä vuonna 1913

Explore the history of Helsinki

Visit Helsinki’s museums

Helsinki City Museum

Get to know the history of Helsinki and its many stories. Admission to Helsinki City Museum is always free.

Free admission days at museums

You can visit these museums for free on certain days of the month. Check for any changes on the museums’ websites.

Helsinki galleries

Visit the free galleries for a convenient and comprehensive look into the current state of Finnish art.

Events at museums | Museot.fi

Diverse events and free-admission days at Helsinki museums.

Museum search

The Museum Card allows you to visit magnificent museums. Find all of Helsinki’s museums you can visit with the Museum Card here.

Get to know Helsinki’s cultural centres

Kanneltalo

Theatre premieres, concerts, exhibitions and much more!

Malmitalo

More information about the diverse programme, including concerts, theatre and movies.

Vuotalo

Concerts, movies, theatre and exhibitions in the middle of urban nature.

Stoa

Stoa is your area’s cultural centre with club evenings, contemporary dance shows and modern exhibitions.

Maunula House

Helsinki residents’ Maunula House is home to an adult education centre, youth centre, library and cultural services. The house’s events are compiled on the basis of residents’ wishes.

Caisa

Experience Caisa’s exhibitions and events. Everyone is welcome at Caisa!

Annantalo

At Annantalo, children, young adults and families get to experience and make art together.

Savoy Theatre

See and experience the atmosphere of an international concert hall and guest stage.

Cultural centres on the map | Service Map

Browse and find the cultural centre closest to you.

Events at cultural centres

Cultural centres offer a variety of events, many of which are offered for free or for an affordable price. Generally, no advance registration or particular language skills are needed.

Browse events at tapahtumat.hel.fi

Join organisations’ culture community activities

Culture workshop Elvis | Niemikotisäätiö foundation (in finnish)

Meeting place for young adult mental health rehabilitants with many kinds of instructed functional peer groups.

Culture House K-35

A culture workshop for people over the age of 35 in Itäkeskus. The purpose of the peer-led and free activities is to strengthen the well-being of the participants through cultural means.

Culture House Kupla | Sosped Foundation

At Culture House Kupla in East Helsinki, you can participate in activities and spend time in community. 

Culture workshop NET | Kukunori

Culture workshop for women who have experienced or are currently experiencing feelings of insecurity in their life and who need a community of women in their life.

Cultural Space Merirasti (in finnish)

A pop-up cultural space by Meri-Rastila market square. The cultural space organises a variety of activities in cooperation with local residents and organisations, the City of Helsinki and other actors.

Lapinlahden lähde | Pro Lapinlahti mielenterveysseura ry

A centre for art, culture and mental well-being. Open every day!

Roso Production | Kukunori

Roso Production is an online community on Discord that makes publication-ready music and games under guidance. The activities are meant for 18–35-year-old people interested in making music or games. 

Taiteen Sulattamo ry (in finnish)

An art and mental health organisation that organises diverse activities. Produces open, goal-oriented art activities as well as experience and peer activities implemented with the help of art.

kaksi henkilöä kahvittelemassa — Photo: Ninni West

Did you know about culture companions?

Culture companions help Helsinki residents who find it difficult to go to cultural events alone. Culture companions are volunteers. A culture companion will go to an event with you, book the tickets and accompany you to the event. The company and help is free.

HelsinkiMissio implements the culture companion activities in cooperation with the City of Helsinki and other culture actors.