In 2024, Helsinki was once again filled with art, movement, activities, and opportunities for participation. The city’s culture and leisure services offer residents and visitors over 20 million experiences each year. Here are just a few highlights.
In 2024, a total of 880 free events were organized across Helsinki for Culture Kids. All children born in Helsinki in and after 2020 are invited to become Culture Kids. They got to enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences, including art, theater, dance, literary arts, and many other events supporting their developmental stages, organized by their designated sponsors.
The Palvelutori senior service event drew an impressive 2,200 visitors to Malmitalo in December. Attendees learned about leisure opportunities provided by the City of Helsinki, various associations, and local organizations in the Malmi area. The highlight of the event was an inspiring speech by Jorma Uotinen, which filled Malmisali to capacity, with additional chairs being brought in.
Stadin talvirieha (Helsinki Winter Bash) attracted a record-breaking 6,000 visitors to Paloheinä for winter sports activities. Attendees enjoyed skiing, skating, sledding, snowshoeing, building snowmen, exploring snow grooming machines, treasure hunting, visiting the mobile library, and working out at an outdoor gym. However, the biggest crowd-pullers were the performances by Paw Patrol and The Moomins.
Through the Finnish model for leisure activitiesd, students in grades 3–9 could engage in extracurricular activities at their own schools or nearby areas after school. The activities, selected based on the preferences of children and youth, were free of charge and available in all Helsinki elementary schools. In 2024, over 90,000 hobby sessions were held, creating countless joyful encounters and moments of enjoyment. Many children and young people, who otherwise wouldn’t have access to quality hobbies, got the chance to participate.
Around 350 people gathered at Stoa in December to celebrate the ancient Yalda Festival. Known in the Middle East as a celebration of the longest night of the year, Yalda unites various languages and cultures. The free, open-to-all event featured social gatherings, food, and music. Libraries and cultural offerings increasingly highlight diverse cultures and their celebrations.
Congestion and Calm is the first exhibition that the museums have carried out in cooperation with their volunteer photographers. In terms of photography clubs, Espoo City Museum has KuvaKamut, Helsinki City Museum has Kuvaussakki and Vantaa City Museum has Kuvausrinki. The volunteer photographers record modern life and phenomena. The collection of commute-themed photos began in the autumn of 2023 and ended in summer 2024. The exhibition features photographs from 20 photographers and is on display at WeeGee in Espoo until 28 February, 2025. A more extensive collection of photos can be found in the Finna online service.
The opening of Kalasatama Library in January marked the beginning of a record year for Helsinki’s libraries. Co-designed with residents, Kalasatama Library quickly found its audience, attracting many new visitors to library services. In 2024, Helsinki’s libraries recorded 9.2 million visits—more than ever before in measurement history.
Libraries have been actively promoting children’s reading, and this was reflected in the 2024 borrowing statistics: the number of children’s book loans increased by 9% compared to the previous year.
The summer season at Espan lava (Espa Stage) was a record-breaking success. Over the entire summer of 2024, concerts attracted a total of 140,000 listeners—60% more than the previous year. The season featured over 300 free performances with more than 1,600 artists from nearly 40 different countries.
In 2024, Helsinki’s cultural centres hosted a wide range of weekly events designed for seniors. The program included exercise classes, concerts, author visits, film screenings, and exhibitions. These events were either free or very affordable, and many were scheduled during daytime hours.
