The Helsinki City Council celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. To mark the anniversary year, the City of Helsinki is arranging an Open House that provides an inside look at Helsinki decision-making. The event will allow residents to tour the City Hall and Bock House premises and learn more about their architectural features and the artwork on display.
In addition to the premises themselves, the tour will also highlight the city’s decision-making processes, the history of the City Council and the work of the council groups.
The Open House lets the public tour the premises of the City Hall, facing the Market Square, and the Bock House, facing the Senate Square. The tour provides a glimpse into the heart of the decision-making in Helsinki, visiting the chambers of both the City Council and the City Board, as well as the Mayor's Reception Room. The tour includes the City Hall’s elegant reception rooms, namely the historic Banquet Hall and the Empire Room, the latter of which has been described as the most beautiful in Helsinki. The Helsinki City Council has convened in these rooms at various points in its history.
The tour also lets visitors see portraits of the city’s former decision-makers and artwork in the different rooms. The art displayed in the City Hall includes works by artists such as Laila Pullinen, Rut Bryk and Kimmo Kaivanto.
The City Hall exudes history
The history of the Helsinki City Hall dates back to the times of the Grand Duchy of Finland. The building, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, was completed in 1833. Up until the year 1913, the building was the location of Hotel Seurahuone. The building has served as the City Hall since the 1930s.
In 1965–70, the City Hall, with the exception of the façade and the Banquet Room, was rebuilt under the direction of architect Aarno Ruusuvuori. The present-day Council Chamber was completed in the late 1980s.
These days, the City Hall is the workplace of the mayor, the deputy mayors, City Executive Office employees, and many others. The City Hall is also where the City Council, the City Board and various committees have their meetings.
Helsinki City Hall Open House
Event: Open House: An inside look at Helsinki decision-making
Time: Saturday 13 September 2025, 10.00–14.00
Location: Helsinki City Hall, Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13. Entrance via the City Hall main doors.
The event is open to everyone at no cost. The tour is self-guided and follows a signposted route. Parts of the tour are not accessible: there are stairs along the route.
The event is also part of the Helsinki Design Week programme.