Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre to build Solar event space of the future – investment worth approximately 20 million euros
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is growing along with the city of Helsinki and will build Solar, an event space of the future. The approximately 20 million euro construction project is one of the largest investments Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre has made in recent decades. Along with Solar, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s façade and main entrance will also be renewed. The bright and high glass-structured event space, designed by Architects Davidsson Tarkela, is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2027.
The Solar event space is one of the largest construction projects and investments in the history of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. Construction of the space, designed by Architects Davidsson Tarkela, will begin in the spring of 2026 and is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2027. The investment is valued at approximately 20 million euros.
”Solar is a significant investment for the future. When completed, it will be the most modern event space in the Nordic countries, where stunning architecture combines with space adaptability and cutting-edge technology. Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is growing along with the city of Helsinki,” says Anni Vepsäläinen, CEO of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
Named after the light filtering through the high glass walls and the brightness of the space, Solar will adapt and transform with Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s diverse events – from trade shows and congresses to seminars, product launches, evening events, and annual meetings. The bright and spacious event space can be rented in its entity or in parts. The architecture of Solar seamlessly integrates digital surfaces that encance the experience and offer clients new ways to be visible.
”Solar perfectly complements our venue and also caters to international congresses and corporate events, which have a significant economic impact on the metropolitan area and contribute to the growth of Helsinki’s tourism. It is known that one congress attendee typically spends about 2,000 euros, so the impact of 5,000 guests is approximately 10 million euros,” Vepsäläinen adds.
As part of the construction project, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s façade and main entrance will also be renewed, with completion scheduled for the autumn of 2026. Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the construction period.
Architecture radiating light and responsible choices intertwine
Solar’s simple and elegant shape complements the exterior architecture of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The event space is proportioned to fit with the surrounding buildings and, being fully glass walled, offers views of the surrounding area.
The first connection for visitors to Solar is created outside, through the video wall at the entrance.
”Solar is a multi-visionary space, where its multi-channel image and soundscape welcomes visitors. The space is formed between strong architectural elements, acting as screens, in a bright and transparent layout. When approached from the outside, Solar glows with internal light during the darker seasons and acts almost like a lighthouse for Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre,” describes architect Juho Häikiö from Architects Davidsson Tarkela, explaining the design of the new event space.
Sustainability is reflected in choices such as high-quality, durable and easily recyclable materials, efficient energy solutions, and door technologies that prevent heat loss. There are also plans to install solar panels on the roof of Solar.
Solar covers an area of about 1,500 square metres, with a height of almost ten metres, and its capacity ranges from banquets for 500 guests to meetings for 1,000 participants. When combined with other spaces at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, it can accommodate up to 1,200 persons for a dinner event.
Preliminary bookings for Solar are already taken, and sales for the event space of the future will begin in May.
More information:
Anni Vepsäläinen, CEO Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, t. +358 400 400 074, anni.vepsalainen@messukeskus.com
Lumia Ankkuri, Marketing and Communications Director, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, t. +358 50 387 0023, lumia.ankkuri@messukeskus.com
Solaris first conceptual images are available to download from here. Images: Architects Davidsson Tarkela.
Follow the progress of Solar progress here.
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is Finland’s largest event organiser, which produces high-quality events and rents out its facilities and services as venues for various events.
The Finnish Fair Group includes, in addition to Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, the trade fair organiser Expomark Oy and the AV technology company SVV Oy. In 2023, the Group’s revenue was 51.3 million euros, its economic impact on the surrounding area was 187 million euros, and its employment impact was 2,535 person-years. I messukeskus.com I @messukeskus
