Finnish National Theatre

We refurbished the new section of the Finnish National Theatre in a way that enables entirely new forms of theatre-making across genres.

SRV carried out the extensive refurbishment project of the Finnish National Theatre.

The Small Stage, originally built in the 1950s, and the intermediate section from the 1930s underwent a complete refurbishment. The starting point was to respect and restore the existing structures while upgrading the spatial and technical solutions to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s theatre professionals and audiences.

The project was implemented in close collaboration with representatives of the Finnish National Theatre using the alliance model. The Small Stage and its auditorium were renewed, and two new performance spaces – Taivassali and Maalaamosali – were created. In addition, new rehearsal rooms, workspaces for support functions, logistics and technical areas, and the new Willensauna café with performance stages were built.

The refurbished area spans six floors and an HVAC plant room, totalling 8,250 gross square metres and 35,000 cubic metres.
 

The aim was to integrate the sections of the theatre block built in different eras by removing several level differences that had complicated the use of functional spaces. Another key aim was to create functional workspaces for theatre staff with access to natural light.
 

A demanding refurbishment carried out sustainably and with respect for the old

Sustainable construction principles were central to the project’s planning and execution, with the aim of extending the building’s service life far into the future.

The project lasted three years, with work phases carefully scheduled. Construction began in early autumn 2020 with demolition in the 1950s section. Demolition in the 1930s section started in November 2021 after an appeal and its processing caused delays. The schedule was ultimately recovered so that the new spaces could be taken into use for the autumn season 2023 in line with the client’s target.

The refurbishment aimed to extend the building’s service life. It contributes to urban development and restores the new section of the Finnish National Theatre in a way that respects the architecture of this culturally significant landmark. The renewed spaces provide improved conditions for a diverse repertoire while honouring the theatre’s uncompromising artistic spirit and valuable history. At the same time, the theatre has become more versatile and functional.

Technical requirements of the construction project

The refurbishment posed challenges due to the load-bearing structures of the 1930s section, originally intended as temporary storage. These had to be reinforced from the foundations to the roof, and modern building services engineering and theatre technology were integrated into spaces that were practically rebuilt. The exceptionally thin load-bearing concrete structures of the protected building and the associated load risks, as well as temporary supports during demolition, required particularly careful planning.

The building was restored with great care. In Taivassali, the beautiful blockwood floor from 1954 – originally installed when the space served as a carpentry workshop – was lifted, repaired and reinstalled. In the same space, a brick wall discovered during refurbishment was left exposed. The brick wall originally formed part of the 1930s intermediate section’s façade facing Kaisaniemi Park.

The refurbishment has enabled entirely new forms of theatre-making at the Finnish National Theatre. The renewed building represents forward-looking thinking and offers improved and more versatile facilities for residents, audiences and artists. It also brings new vibrancy to the city centre and Kaisaniemi Park, contributing to urban development. The redesigned spaces support artistic creation across genres.