Completely renovated theatre beauty opens its doors in Eläintarhanlahti
The extensive renovation of the Helsinki City Theatre, which began in June 2015, has been completed. The building technology of the theatre building, designed by architect Timo Penttilä , has been completely updated with respect for the spirit of the protected building. The magnificent 50-year-old theatre beauty will be opened to the public in August 2017.
The original total budget for the renovation (2013) was a total of EUR 67 million, of which the project budget for the renovation of the theatre building was EUR 56 million and the project budget for theatre technology was EUR 11 million. The project will be implemented within the budget specified in the project plan, taking into account the increases in the building cost and producer price indices. The project is funded by long-term loans from MuniFin and grants from the City of Helsinki and the state. The developer of the renovation was the City of Helsinki’s Real Estate Department’s Premises Centre and the building contractor was SRV. The architectural design was carried out by LPR Architects Ltd in cooperation with the Helsinki City Museum.
The idea of the renovation was to preserve the appearance of the theatre, which received a protection decision in spring 2015, in accordance with the year of completion in 1967. The protected public and staff facilities have been restored, and Timo Penttilä’s original plans were taken into account in the upholstery of the seats in the stands and the choice of carpets in the foyers, among other things.
“We have wanted to preserve the original atmosphere of the 50-year-old theatre. All wooden parts, marble surfaces and foyer furniture have been kept intact, they have just been cleaned and restored with care, and LED lights have been replaced with lamps from the 60s. The performance technology has been completely redesigned to meet the standard of the theatres on Broadway in New York and in London’s West End,” says Keijo Koli, Project Manager of the renovation project.
“The Helsinki City Theatre is a landmark work of culture and architecture, and a large number of professionals have been modernising its premises during the renovation, and the worksite strength has been 340 people at its highest. A total of 2027 employees have been inducted to the site during the renovation,” says SRV’s Unit Director Antti Raunemaa.
The comfort of the audience has been improved by increasing the number of public toilets, improving accessibility and guiding for the visually and hearing-impaired. Digital screens have been installed in the foyers and the signs have been renewed. Also new are the rentable cabinets built in the balcony foyer of the main stage. The new façade lighting, which changes according to the day and season, will also make the City Theatre more visible in the cityscape.
The staff moved back into the renovated premises at the beginning of May, and the building will be opened to the public in August. The 50th anniversary performance of the Theatre House will be the musical Maija of Myrskyluoto , for which a record 47,000 tickets have been sold in advance.
Further information:
Keijo Koli, Project Manager, 050 555 1363
Antti Raunemaa, Head of Unit, SRV, 040 564 4105
Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Officer, Helsinki City Theatre, 040 552 3788
Pilvi Aalto, Communications Planner, SRV, 040 632 5505