The Main Stage is located in Helsinki City Theatre’s main building at Eläintarhantie 5, next to Tokoinranta. We are easy to reach by public transport: Hakaniemi metro station and several tram and bus stops are less than a ten-minute walk away. With more than 900 seats, a 600-square-metre stage complete with a revolve, and world-class stage, lighting and sound technology, the Main Stage provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable theatre experience.
Getting here and services
The 923-seat Main Stage is accessed through the main entrance of Helsinki City Theatre at Eläintarhantie 5. The nearest public transport stops are located around Hakaniemi Market Square. The nearest metro station is Hakaniemi.
The theatre doors open one hour before the performance begins.
The box office is open for one hour before the performance. It is located to the right of the Main Stage entrance, in the connecting corridor leading to the Small Stage foyer.
The Main Stage offers a complimentary cloakroom. It is located in the Marble Foyer, opposite the entrance doors.
Before the performance and during the interval, refreshments are available from the Sodexo counter in the Main Stage foyer. For more information and to order refreshments in advance, visit the Refreshments page.
Explore the Main Stage in a virtual panorama.
Print the Main Stage seating plan here.
History of the building
The current theatre building on the shore of Eläintarhanlahti opened in autumn 1967. It was designed by architect Timo Penttilä and commissioned by the City of Helsinki.
Helsinki City Theatre has two predecessors whose history forms a significant part of Finnish theatre history. Helsingin Työväenteatteri was founded in 1902 and Helsingin Kansanteatteri in 1933. The two theatres merged in 1948 to form Helsingin Kansanteatteri-Työväenteatteri. Helsinki City Theatre became the successor to this organisation in 1965, when Helsingin teatterisäätiö was established.
