Stefan Bremer’s iconic photographs of 1970s and 80s Helsinki at night have touched an exceptionally wide audience. The photographs bring together the city’s diverse youth cultures – the teddy boys, rockers, punks, goths and many other Helsinki residents whose stories continue to live on through the images. The exhibition has become a shared experience, with visitors recognising themselves and friends from decades ago in the photographs and sharing their memories with both museum staff and Bremer himself.
“The Helsinki by Night exhibition grew out of my curiosity about the capital at night, and especially about the movements of young people. I wandered the streets, squares, clubs and concert venues at dusk, seeking the beauty of the night, its stark views and poetic silence. It has been wonderful to see how many of the young people featured in the photographs have been given a name and a story – and how visitors have, in turn, added to my own memories of the city,” Bremer says.
Helsinki by Night is open until 30 August. Instead of the busiest weekends, visitors are encouraged to visit during the week, when the exhibition can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. Admission is free on the Night of the Arts on 20 August, when Villa Hakasalmi will be open from 11 am until 1 am. The programme includes a guided tour by Bremer, a discussion on Helsinki’s nightlife, a drag cabaret, art performances and club music from the era played by DJs Avalon and Maxine. The final admission free day will take place on 28 August, before the exhibition closes.
Punk Museum takes over Villa Hakasalmi in October
Villa Hakasalmi’s strong exhibition year continues in October with PUNK! 50 years of buzz in the streets of Helsinki, created in collaboration with the Punk Museum. Curated by Teijo Hintikka, Vilja Joensuu and Timo “Kipi” Kiippa, the exhibition celebrates 50 years of punk in Helsinki and explores the development of this subculture through music, DIY culture, zines and activism. The exhibition is on display from 23 October 2026 to 29 August 2027.
Alongside Villa Hakasalmi’s record-breaking summer, the other museums of the Helsinki City Museum have also attracted large numbers of visitors. The City Museum’s new Helsinki Exhibition has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors over the summer, while The Unknown Suburb has attracted more than 50,000 visitors. The summer season continues to draw visitors also to the Worker’s Museum, the Tram Museum and the Burgher’s House.