Construction of Solar, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s event space of the future, has begun. Once completed, the bright and spacious Solar will be one of the most modern event spaces in the Nordic countries, combining impressive architecture with flexibility and top-class AV services. The first phase includes building the new main entrance to the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, which will open in the autumn of 2026. Solar will open its doors in the autumn of 2027.
Designed by Davidsson Tarkela Siren Architects, the glass-structured Solar will rise to nearly ten metres in height and strengthen Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre as an international event venue. The new event space will also serve as a showcase for the venue – in the future, it will be the first thing visitors see when arriving at the centre.
As part of the extension, the façade and main entrance of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre will also be renewed. The new entrance will be constructed first and taken into use in the autumn of 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 is a unique construction project because the work takes place amid the venue’s everyday activities. This requires exceptionally careful planning from both YIT, the contractor, and Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
The venue’s busy event calendar has been taken into account from the very beginning. The construction site will be temporarily closed during the Arctic Lights Comic Con event in May and during the University of Helsinki’s entrance examinations in May–June.
The new main entrance will be completed first
The construction project will progress in four phases from spring 2026 to autumn 2027. The first visible phase is the construction of the new main entrance to the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, which will open in the autumn of 2026.
The project includes several technically demanding stages. For example, large ventilation machine rooms will be lifted into place as modules weighing approximately 20 tonnes. The tower crane enables the safe and efficient handling of these elements. A field of solar panels will be installed on the roof of Solar.
Opening in autumn 2027
Access routes and traffic arrangements will be planned to ensure smooth and safe movement for visitors. A physical construction fence will separate the worksite from passers-by.
Solar will open its doors in the autumn of 2027. Operations at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre will continue uninterrupted throughout the construction period.
Find out more about the new addition here: https://www.messukeskus.com/en/solar/.
