Kai Mykkänen leads a vibrant city of culture

Mayor Kai Mykkänen only took over the reins in Espoo at the beginning of February but, as a native of Tapiola, he is very familiar with the cultural offerings in his hometown. Mykkänen does indeed have a clear view of what culture means to the city’s identity.

“There is no Espoo as a community without culture,” he says.

All the capital region cities have their own attractions. Helsinki is home to national institutions, museums and theatres, while Vantaa is known for its festivals and the Finnish Science Centre Heureka. According to Mykkänen, Espoo has its own unique strengths.

“We have top-level expertise here, like the Tapiola Sinfonietta and Espoo Theatre. Espoo’s high-quality cultural offerings add to the art and cultural services available in the capital region,” he says.

It is also important to remember that cultural activities are not only limited to the most visible organisations, but instead include everything from grassroots activities to traditional high culture.

“Here in Espoo, we have active cultural organisations that offer a wide range of urban culture,” Mykkänen says.

Mykkänen is first and foremost known as a politician. He took his first steps in social activism as a student at Tapiolan lukio. He was part of the school’s environmental group that collected signatures to save the protection forest in the Laajalahti nature reserve. Mykkänen could have also ended up in the world of culture as his school has a music programme, whose students made an impact on him back in the day.

“Music students’ performances were very memorable. I was always surprised how other students dared to put themselves on the line,” Mykkänen says, looking back on his experiences.

However, culture was not his thing, and after the environmental group, he became the chairperson of Espoo’s first Youth Council and chairperson of the Union of Upper Secondary School Students (Suomen Lukiolaisten Liitto). Later, he served as a Member of Parliament and in various ministerial positions before his current role as the Mayor of Espoo. In addition to his political career, Mykkänen has worked in various positions in both Finland and abroad.

“I have been following Espoo’s development in different positions for 25 years, also in terms of culture,” he says.

In his spare time, the new mayor particularly enjoys music and reading, so Espoo’s libraries are naturally among his favourite locations.

“And Kino Tapiola,” Mykkänen adds.

And although Espoo’s cultural scene is vibrant, the new mayor believes that there is always room for something new.

“I hope that during my term in office we will inaugurate the new premises of Espoo Theatre and see all kinds of urban culture emerging in different parts of the city,” he says.

As we already mentioned, Mayor Kai Mykkänen enjoys reading and listening to music. But what are his tips from the April event calendar?

Scandinavian Music Group (17 April, Sello Hall)

For music lovers, I would recommend SMG, whose unique music has delighted listeners for over twenty years. Soon releasing its tenth studio album, the band draws its strength from lifelong friendships and a mutual desire to always create something new.

From Tokyo to Tapiola (17 April 2024–22 March 2026, Leikki – the Museum of Play)

The special exhibition focuses on Japanese popular culture in Finland. An interesting exhibition for both children and adults.

Welcome back – family birdwatching tour in Laajalahti (13 April, Villa Elfvik, Ruukinranta)

During the birdwatching tour, you will get to observe birds returning to Espoo and Finland after the winter. The event is best suited to over 5-year-old children together with an adult. One of the high points of the trip is a snack break, so don’t forget to bring something to eat with