Musiikkitalo: Helsinki's Modern Music Temple
Experience world-class music and stunning architecture at Musiikkitalo, Helsinki's premier concert venue and cultural meeting place.
Musiikkitalo, or the Helsinki Music Centre, stands as a striking architectural landmark in the heart of Helsinki. Opened in August 2011, it fulfills a century-long ambition for a dedicated concert hall in the city. Designed by LPR Architects, the building features a green pre-patinated copper facade and large glass surfaces, nestling subtly into the Töölönlahti shoreline. The main concert hall, seating 1,704 people, boasts a vineyard-style layout designed by Yasuhisa Toyota for optimal acoustics. Musiikkitalo also houses five smaller halls, each tailored for specific performances like chamber music, organ recitals, and amplified music. These halls provide intimate educational and training grounds for Sibelius Academy students. Musiikkitalo is more than just a concert hall; it's a cultural hub. It hosts over 1,000 events annually, from classical and jazz concerts to educational programs and free public events. The building also includes a café, restaurant, music shop, and the Sibelius Academy library. Visual art is integrated throughout, with commissioned pieces like Reijo Hukkanen's Song Trees and Kirsi Kaulanen's Gaia on display. Guided tours are available to explore the architecture and behind-the-scenes aspects of the building.
Local tips
- Check the Musiikkitalo website for the event schedule and book tickets in advance, especially for popular performances.
- Arrive early to enjoy a coffee or meal at the café and soak in the atmosphere before the concert.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the building's architecture and history.
- Explore the surrounding area, including Kansalaistori Square, Kiasma Museum, and the Finnish Parliament House.
A brief summary to Musiikkitalo
- Mannerheimintie 13 A, Helsinki, 00100, FI
- +358207070400
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
- Thursday 8 am-10 pm
- Friday 8 am-10 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-8 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
Musiikkitalo is easily accessible by public transport. Take the metro to Rautatientori or Kamppi, or trams to Kaivokatu, Lasipalatsi, or Kansallismuseo. Buses also stop at Elielinaukio, Kamppi, Rautatientori, and Hesperian puisto. Use the HSL Reittiopas journey planner to find the best route and timetable. A single AB ticket costs €3.20 and is valid for 80 minutes. Day tickets are also available.
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Walking
Musiikkitalo is located in the heart of Helsinki, between the main railway station and Parliament. From the Helsinki Central Railway Station, it's a short 300-meter walk. From Kansalaistori Square, enter through the main entrance. The building is also accessible from Töölönlahdenkatu.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Helsinki. The nearest taxi rank is on Eero Erkon katu, between Oodi and Sanomatalo. Taxi fares start at €5.30 during the day and €8.30 at night and on weekends, with a standard kilometer rate of €1.39. A short taxi ride from the city center will likely cost between €10-€20.
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Parking
If driving, the nearest car parks are Aimo Park Finlandia and EuroPark P-Eliel. Aimo Park Finlandia offers direct indoor elevator access to the Music Centre main entrance. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €5 per hour or €29 per day. Limited on-street parking is available on Mannerheimintie and Töölönlahdenkatu for pick-up and drop-off only.
