Suomen Kansallisteatteri
1 B Läntinen Teatterikuja
About
The majestic Finnish National Theater, one of Finland's most renowned Art Nouveau buildings, dominates the Rautatientori Square. Based on designs by Onni Tarjanne, it was completed in 1902 and since then has been home to the oldest and biggest Finnish-language theater company. With its corner towers and red roof, it has a beautiful and powerful presence. The spacious interiors are probably best known for the frescoes by famous artists Juho Rissanen and Yrjö Ollila. A 1939 statue of Aleksis Kivi, Finland's author laureate, stands in the square in front of the theater. Sculpted by Väinö Aaltonen, it is surrounded by flowerbeds in summer. The base of the statue fits the melancholy statue, being engraved with sections of Kivi's poem Ikävyys ("Longing"). The strong bond between the writer and the National Theater dates back to 1869, when the Finnish Theater performed the very first play in Finnish, Lea by Kivi. The theater is known for its staging of classic dramas, but the repertoire also includes children's plays, musicals and work by brand-new talents. You can buy tickets at the entrance hall, as well as at Lippupiste offices in the Stockmann and Sokos department stores.
