From Queen to Led Zeppelin, the iconic event space House of Culture, ’Helsingin Kulttuuritalo’, has played host to a plethora of legendary performers throughout its years of operation.  During the fall 2023, the iconic building underwent a comprehensive revitalization, overseen by the owner Helsingin Kulttuurihub and the new venue and event operator ASM Global. Design Agency Fyra was responsible for the refurbishment’s architectural design, while JKMM Architects oversaw the interior design. The project focused on refurbishing and enhancing the public areas of the epochal event venue originally designed by Alvar Aalto in 1958, a site designated for preservation under the Building Protection Act since 1989.

The primary emphasis of the restoration and renovation efforts for the public areas has been to establish a functional setting for events, all the while paying tribute to the cultural and historical significance of the protected building. Alongside the building, the scope of protection extends to its intended purpose – program and civic activities, for which operating conditions must be secured in the future.

The largest and most visible change has taken place in the Alppisali, originally designed as a cinema, and subsequently undergone many changes. The previously unused space has been revived and serves now as a 300-person DJ and live music venue named Kult Club. The original brick foyer by Alvar Aalto and the entrance at the south end of the House of Culture, which has been out of use for years, are part of the new black-box club. The clubbing also expands into the underused Peilisali, a flexible and more intimate event space.

In the restaurant and lobby halls, bar and sales counters as well as other furnishings have been updated to better meet the needs of larger audiences. The colours and shapes honour the original spirit of the iconic building.

The design of Kult Club and other public spaces has been carried out in close collaboration between ASM Global, Helsingin Kulttuurihub, Fyra, and JKMM Architects. In addition, the refurbishment works of the House of Culture were carried out in collaboration with the Finnish Heritage Agency and the Alvar Aalto Foundation. All solutions can be restored in accordance with conservation principles.