Main Stage

The Main Stage is located in Helsinki City Theatre’s main building at Eläintarhantie 5, beside Tokoinranta Bay. We are easy to reach by public transport: Hakaniemi metro station and tram and bus stops are all less than a ten-minute walk away. The auditorium seats over 900, the 600-square-metre stage features a revolving platform, and world-class stage, lighting and sound technology provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable theatre experience.

Getting here and services

The 923-seat Main Stage is accessed through Helsinki City Theatre’s main entrance at Eläintarhantie 5. The nearest public transport stops are located around Hakaniemi Market Square. The nearest metro station is Hakaniemi. The closest exits, A (Toinen linja) and B (Porthaninkatu), are located on the ground floor of the Lyyra building.

The theatre doors open one hour before the performance begins.

The box office opens one hour before the performance. It is located to the right of the Main Stage entrance doors, in the connecting corridor leading to the Small Stage foyer.

Free cloakroom service is available at the Main Stage. The cloakroom is located in the marble foyer opposite the entrance doors.

Before the performance and during the interval, you can enjoy refreshments from the Sodexo counter in the Main Stage foyer. For more information and to pre-order refreshments, 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 Bay 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 histories form 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 the Helsinki Theatre Foundation was established.

How to find us

By public transport

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.

The nearest metro station is Hakaniemi. The closest exits, A (Toinen linja) and B (Porthaninkatu), are located on the ground floor of the Lyyra building.

Plan your journey with HSL Journey Planner »

By bicycle

Bicycle parking
In the City Theatre car park and next to Leikkipuisto Linja
Find other bicycle parking locations in the City of Helsinki map service.

HSL City Bikes

By car

Parking
Helsinki City Theatre has paid parking spaces on both Eläintarhantie and Ensi linja. Parking costs 2,10 €/ h, and payment can be made using Parkman or Easypark, by card or with coins. There is a separate free parking area for buses on the Eläintarhantie side. The parking areas are managed by EuroPark. Paid on-street parking is also available in the surrounding streets in Zone 2. The Easypark area code for the car park in front of the theatre is 898.

Accessible parking
Two accessible parking spaces are available in the Eläintarhantie car park and one on the Ensi linja side. With a valid disabled parking permit, parking is free in both accessible and standard parking spaces. The permit must be displayed clearly on the dashboard.
The spaces are clearly marked.

Electric vehicles
There are six charging points for electric vehicles in the Eläintarhantie car park. Charging is paid for using the EasyPark app.
Electric vehicle charging points

Program

David West Read - Max Martin

& Julia

Nauravan kulkurin tarina

Seniorisoppa joulukonsertti

Arrival and accessibility

Two accessible parking spaces next to the electric vehicle charging point
Automatic entrance door (door width 895 mm, threshold ramp height 40 mm)
Accessible service counters
Illuminated row numbers and steps
Handrails on the auditorium stairs

Lift

Accessible lift (lift door width 890 mm, lift car 1410 x 1000 mm).

Accessible toilets

There is one accessible toilet on each level of the entrance foyer, on the stalls and balcony levels.

For visitors with visual impairments

Tactile warning tiles at the top of the stairs indicate the proximity of steps, while a continuous metal guidance strip on the floor leads from the main entrance to the cloakroom and auditorium. The edges of the steps are also marked with contrasting strips.

Induction loops

An induction loop is available in the stalls and balcony seating areas. The induction loop has been tested in accordance with the IEC60118-4:2014 standard, and coverage maps are available on the Kuulokuvat.fi website:
Main Stage stalls
Main Stage balcony

Wheelchair spaces

Four wheelchair spaces at both ends of row 14 in the stalls (2 + 2), with electrical outlets
Four wheelchair spaces on both sides of the balcony (2 + 2), with electrical outlets

Free Wi-Fi network: “Guest HKT”.

Companion tickets

Companion tickets are free of charge for visitors who require assistance.

Sign language interpretation

Sign language interpretation can be arranged by prior agreement with the theatre. If necessary, the theatre will help the interpreter prepare for the assignment.

Audio description

Visitors with visual impairments (approximately 20 people) can listen to the audio describer through headphones. Näkövammaisten kulttuuripalvelu rents out audio description equipment. The equipment provider is responsible for the practical arrangements. If necessary, the theatre will help the audio describer prepare for the assignment.

Enquiries

Ticket Sales, tel. (09) 3940 22, info@hkt.fi