The cornerstone was laid by a large number of representatives of those who have influenced the stages of Dance House Helsinki. Mayor of Helsinki Jan Vapaavuori, Minister of Science and Culture Hanna Kosonen, and the Chairperson of the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation Nils Ittonen, all spoke at the event.

Greetings were also expressed by the Director of the Helsinki Dance House Association Matti Numminen, and the Managing Director of Kiinteistö Oy Kaapelitalo Kai Huotari. The 700-seat Erkko Hall will be built on top of the foundation stone. A time capsule was embedded in the foundation stone, containing, among other things, the architectural drawings of the building under construction and magazines of the day.

After the official laying of the cornerstone, a public event was held in Pannuhalli. The participants enjoyed a dance performance by Pekka Louhio, Kaisa Nieminen and Jukka Tarvainen.

Dance House Helsinki opens to the public in 2022

The laying of the foundation stone is a significant step in the Dance House Helsinki construction project. “The laying of the cornerstone makes the dance field's long-standing dream of a large-scale space dedicated to dance and bodily experiences a reality. In addition, laying the cornerstone is an important recognition of the work of those who have promoted the construction of the building," says Matti Numminen, Director of the Helsinki Dance House Association.

In addition to Erkko Hall, the new building will include an Event Square (Tapahtumatori) that serves as a lobby and venue. Additionally, the premises include, for example, staff facilities and office space.

The other stage of Dance House Helsinki is Pannuhalli hall, currently located in Cable Factory and, following the renovation, it will seat 250 people. “Dance House Helsinki cherishes dance in all its diversity. Dance House Helsinki's premises will offer new artistic- and production-related opportunities for operators in the field. The repertoire will consist of performances, dance events and courses," Numminen says.

Work on the inner yard of Cable Factory will begin in the summer 2020. The frame erection of the new construction will be completed by the autumn. After that the construction of the roof and the facades will begin and, finally, the interior work and technical installations will be carried out. Dance House Helsinki will open to the public in early 2022.

Additional information

Matti Numminen, Director, Dance House Helsinki
+358 (0)50 467 0276, matti.numminen@tanssintalo.fi

Requests for interviews
Henry Ahlavuo, Marketing Manager, Dance House Helsinki
+358 (0)40 190 9325, henry.ahlavuo@tanssintalo.fi