Otaniemi to be a new significant event area in the Metropolitan Area
Located on the border of Helsinki and Espoo, the Otaniemi region is a gem hidden from the public. It has great potential as a new event area. Only a 12-minute metro ride from the centre of Helsinki, Otaniemi combines urban art and science with verdant maritime nature.
The Otaniemi cityscape consists of fascinating layers of time, including architecture by Alvar Aalto, lime-tree alleys reminiscent of the area’s manor history, low industrial-style red brick buildings and their asphalted yards, as well as current and former research facilities.
The City of Espoo has cooperated with Aalto University Campus & Real Estate (ACRE) in mapping facilities for new creative operations, such as various events. The City aims to provide unique and accessible event areas that meet the tight criteria of organising events, all the while considering sustainability goals.
"The excellent connections to the area speak for its use for various events: it is easy to reach by bike as well as by metro – and soon by light rail, as well. I believe Otaniemi will see more and more new events in the future", says Espoo Event Manager Lea Rintala.
The international Visio Festival to move to Otaniemi from Helsinki
Visio Festival, which combines modern music with visual arts, was seeking a new venue near Helsinki. The venue would need to be suitable for the event’s profile and for a large crowd. The event has previously been arranged in Suvilahti, Teurastamo, and Veturitallit in Pasila. The facilities near the Otaniemi metro station previously occupied by Design Factory and Startup Sauna, along with their spacious courtyards, had the perfect Central European atmosphere.
"We are really happy to have the Visio Festival in Otaniemi. We sought for the perfect venue for the event in cooperation with ACRE. The atmosphere of Otaniemi is known for its vibrant student culture and events, and as such, it encourages creation", Rintala says.
"We warmly welcome the Visio Festival to the Aalto university campus. The verdant Otaniemi area combined with the active experimental culture of the university community provides many opportunities for various events", says ACRE Managing Director Ville Jokela.
The producer of the event, Shpat Qerimi, is excited about Otaniemi as a whole. "We wanted a rough and distinctive venue for our event, and we wanted it to be quickly accessible from the centre of Helsinki. This urban and youthful venue allows us to include new event elements and expand the festival", Qerimi says.
Visio Festival
14-15 July 2023
Betonimiehenkuja 3-5, Otaniemi, Espoo
www.visiofestival.com(external link, opens in a new window)
