A façade like a stage curtain

“We have waited a long time for new premises. Just as long our audience has had to get lost en route to the theatre and squeeze into our cramped spaces. Now &’s new home is finally beginning to appear on the horizon. On behalf of the theatre, I want to thank both the officials and the decision-makers for helping this long-term project finally take shape,” says our Managing Director, Matilda von Weissenberg.

&’s impressive new home will rise beside the Espoo Cultural Centre, becoming part of both the centre itself and the silhouette of Tapiola’s Culture Square. The extension is designed by the award-winning architecture firm ALA, who have previously designed the Helsinki Central Library Oodi and the new entrance building at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

The new auditorium will seat 455 people. The stage will also be far more modern and versatile than our current ones. Flexible auditorium spaces will accommodate a wide range of performances, better meeting the needs of contemporary productions.

“The new theatre building opens up entirely new possibilities for &: smoother and faster turnarounds between productions, larger audiences, a broader programme of events, interval refreshments and post-show discussions across three floors. The entrance will be both striking and inviting, while the proximity and synergy with the Espoo Cultural Centre will enhance our operations and improve our services. There is a great deal of work ahead, but the motivation to do it is immense!” Weissenberg promises.

The architecture of the new theatre reflects its purpose: the façade recalls a theatrical backdrop. The entrance aims to be as welcoming as it is dramatic. The façade’s curved form evokes a stage curtain, beneath which the audience will step into the theatre. While outwardly restrained in pale, elegant tones, the building will be more colourful inside. This contrast between exterior and interior is a carefully considered choice – part of the dramatic arc of the theatre experience.

& Espoo Theatre is a platform for new ideas, a vibrant meeting point for people, concepts, phenomena and artistic currents. It is a shared spiritual home for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. In the same way, the new theatre building will create a meeting place in Tapiola’s Culture Square, bringing together the makers and experiencers of art.