Construction has commenced on Solar, the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s new event space of the future. Once completed, the bright and spacious Solar will be among the most modern venues in the Nordic countries, combining striking architecture with flexibility and state-of-the-art AV services.
The first phase involves building a new main entrance to the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, scheduled to open in autumn 2026. Solar itself will open its doors in autumn 2027.
Designed by Davidsson Tarkela Siren Architects, the glass-structured Solar will rise nearly ten metres high and further strengthen the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s position as an international event hub. The new facility will also serve as a showcase for the venue – the first feature visible to visitors on arrival.
As part of the wider extension project, the façade and main entrance of the centre will also be renewed. The new entrance will be constructed first and brought into use in autumn 2026.
“The bright and spacious Solar will be one of the most modern event spaces in the Nordic countries, where impressive architecture is combined with flexibility and top-class AV services. Solar will evolve and adapt to a wide range of events – from seminars to gala evenings – and further strengthen Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre as an international event venue,” says Veronica Lindholm, CEO of the Finnish Fair Corporation.
Solar represents a unique construction challenge, as the work is taking place in the midst of the centre’s day-to-day operations. This requires exceptionally careful planning from both YIT, the contractor, and the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre management team.
The venue’s busy event calendar has been considered from the outset. The construction site will be temporarily closed during the Arctic Lights Comic Con in May and the University of Helsinki’s entrance examinations in May–June.
New main entrance to open first
The project will progress in four phases from spring 2026 to autumn 2027. The first visible stage will be the new main entrance, which is due to open in autumn 2026.
The work includes several technically demanding phases. For instance, large ventilation machine rooms will be installed as prefabricated modules weighing around 20 tonnes, lifted into place by tower crane. A field of solar panels will also be fitted on Solar’s roof.
Access routes and traffic arrangements will be organised to ensure safe and smooth passage for visitors, with a physical fence separating the construction site from public areas.
Solar will officially open in autumn 2027. Operations at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre will continue uninterrupted throughout the building period.
