Entertainment in Center (Kaartinkaupunki) (Helsinki)

Forum Elokuvateatteri

Forum is a Helsinki classic, a theater in the city center that every Helsinkiite should visit at least once in a lifetime. Situated in the same building as the Forum shopping center, the seven screens show mostly British and American mainstream films. Before the start you can enjoy some refreshments in the upstairs café, or buy some snacks downstairs. Thanks to its ideal location and beautiful interiors, Forum is a must for a classic movie-going experience. The box office opens about one hour before the first screening.

Silakkamarkkinat

One of the things that define Finland is the Silakka or Baltic herring. The fish is typologically a subspecies of the normal herring; yet in the low-saline waters of the Baltic it only grows to a relatively small size, rarely reaching a length greater than the span of a hand. Previously, Baltic herring was an essential part of Finland's economy, and it is still fished in great quantities, both as fare for people and as feed for animals. What makes this such an important fish is its range of uses in food, as it can readily be smoked, baked, fried or preserved deliciously. All Finns grow up knowing numerous kinds, such as mustard herring and herring casserole. The Baltic Herring Festival, held each year in October, is a celebration of the fish at its best. The main market square gains stalls, and local fishermen come to dock their small wooden boats, selling their products. The atmosphere is like in the 'old days,' and people show their appreciation by appearing! in great numbers.

Savoy-Teatteri

The Savoy Theater is situated on Kasarminkatu, near the idyllic Esplanadi Park, the Market Square and the harbor. The theater seats 700 people and is the venue of choice for performing arts festivals and dance, theater and music performances. There is a gallery on the premises as well as a eatery. So you can enjoy a glass of wine whilst looking at the art exhibitions in the foyer during the intervals.

Gloria Kulttuuriareena

Gloria is a place where programs and including music, performances, art, dance and theatre take place. The space is also available for meetings, seminars, trainings and ceremonies. Gloria Kulttuuriareena is equipped with modern instruments for high quality audio visuals and lighting system. The Glorian House seats 350 and Gloria can hold 500. The place has two entrances, one for the public and the other for the artist. Food and beverages can be arranged for from their in-house restaurant.

Espan Lava

When summer arrives in Helsinki, buskers and street musicians flow into the city and occupy street corners, adding their own sounds and tunes to the warm and pleasant urban atmosphere. Most of them can be seen and heard near the two main shopping streets, Aleksanterinkatu and Esplanadi. At the market square end of Esplanadi, next to restaurant Kappeli, there is a stage for those musicians whose acts are not suited to playing on the street. This covered stage is simply called the Espa Stage. In front of it are a few rows of benches for the audience, although most people stand and watch whilst passing by. The Espa stage hosts various kinds of artists, ranging in genre from classical to ethno, folk, pop or rock. Most of them are unknown, although you might also catch artists with record deals. Due to the noise of the traffic and the crowd, the music carries poorly further off; in front of the stage, though, the sound is good enough.

Teatteri Naamio ja Höyhen

Mask Theater and Feather produces entertaining plays and programs for businesses and communities that are performed in its theater and elsewhere. With talented artists like Axle Aittomäki and Virpi Byring, the company has hosted several performances suitable for all kinds of events, seminars, corporate functions, trade fairs and parties. The theater group is well-known for its productions on a wide range of subjects and includes the famous play Alice and Infinitum, a philosophical play that highlights concepts like self and the universe; and Omnia II, a show about social health and alcoholism. The group's venue has entertained people with dance show like Butoamme, a four day show with Finnish and Russian artists displaying their art.

Svenska Teatern

The round white building of the Swedish Theater, Svenska Teatern, is an important Helsinki landmark. The building and its surrounding shops, statues and park form a relaxing area in the city center. The first theater to be built in this spot was completed in 1827, but replaced later; this wooden building burnt down, and so a new theater was constructed in 1866 after designs by Russian architect Nicholas Benois. Today, the red-and-gold décor with its lovely boxes and columns is still as it was in Benois's day. The exterior of the building was restored and smoothed out under the control of architects Jarl Eklund and Eero Saarinen in 1936. The theater is a landmark of the times leading up to Finnish independence; it was the venue of the first-ever performance of Sibelius's Finlandia, conducted by the composer himself. The great hall seats about 500 people, and the small hall abou! t 100. The theater transcends the language barrier, as evidenced by the 80,000-100,000 people who attend performances there yearly. The Swedish Theater is known for its performances of classical drama as well as its musical repertoire.