Hanasaari opens to the public on Helsinki Day – come by to dance, eat and bathe in the sauna

The programme starts at 15.00. Mayor Daniel Sazonov will welcome citizens to the opening celebration at 15.30.

The event will give visitors the chance to explore the 17-hectare-area and its buildings, with a programme that features activities such as architecture tours that will give the visitors a peek into e.g. the turbine hall, which was previously closed to the public.

The saunas, previously reserved for the use of Helen’s staff, will also be heated for the visitors to enjoy. So don’t forget to bring what you need for the sauna!

The opening day, hosted by journalist Laura Friman, will also feature a variety of music performances, offering a great opportunity for dancing. The performers include names such as the DJ collective Paha Vaanii, known from summer Sundays at Siltanen, and the multi-talented Grande Mahogany, who mixes funk, alt-rock and psychedelia.

You can bring your own snacks and enjoy a relaxed picnic, or you can buy food and beverages from the event’s food stalls.

The City encourages people to arrive to the event by public transport, on foot or by bike if possible.

Opening kicks off a new era in Hanasaari

For many Helsinki residents, the Hanasaari power plant area is an integral part of the skyline of the eastern inner city. Energy production at the power plant ended in 2023. Since then, demolition work has taken place at the site and preparations have been made to open the area to the public.

The opening celebration marks the start of a five-year period of experiments, as Hanasaari is opened to all Helsinki residents, outdoor enthusiasts and a variety of events. The City is inviting residents to plan what the area will look like over the next five years, before construction in the area begins.

“The opening of Hanasaari on Helsinki Day is a historic event. This is the last industrial area still remaining near the city centre, offering a unique opportunity for constructing a city district that adds both value and interest to the cityscape. We truly wish to also hear the city residents’ perspectives in this work,” says Mayor Daniel Sazonov.

In autumn 2026, an international idea and implementation competition will be launched for the Hanasaari power plant site, seeking a high-quality design and developer for the area.