A facade like a stage curtain
&'s new theatre building is a home of new possibilities.
For over three decades, Espoo has dreamt of a new theatre building. That dream is now closer than ever, with the amendment to the town plan approved by the Espoo City Council in spring 2025. The building is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Where we are at in August 2025
“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.
See images of the new theatre building at the bottom of the page!
For three decades, the idea of a new theatre building in Espoo has been taking shape. In this decade, that idea has taken a stride forward as the project plan for the new theatre house was approved by the Espoo City Council on November 21, 2022.
Our vision for 2027: Espoo Theatre, known as Espoon teatteriEspoon teatteri, has just unveiled its new stage next to the Espoo Cultural Centre. It has become a theatre that garners recognition and curiosity not only within Espoo, but also in Finland and on the international stage. With the advent of the new theatre building, Tapiola has emerged as a unique pioneer in the realm of performing arts across the entire country.
The new theatre rises alongside the existing Cultural Centre on Tapiola's Culture Square. This new venue offers a high international standard for performing arts, allowing for even more exceptional visiting performances to be brought to Finland. With the new theatre, the center of Tapiola transforms into a captivating cultural hub, inviting everyone to experience art up close and from afar. The new cultural hub – comprising Espoon teatteriEspoon teatteri, Espoo Cultural Centre, Culture Square, and the nearby EMMA museum – is a tremendous opportunity for Espoo.
"Espoo is a rapidly evolving city, and cultural spaces must evolve with its growth. It is crucial that Espoo Theatre finally gets the appropriate facilities", says Susanna Tommila (pictured), Cultural Director of Espoo City.
The architectural design of the theatre is entrusted to ALA Architects, led by Chief Architect SAFA Juho Grönholm. ALA Architects are also behind Helsinki's latest landmark, the Oodi library. According to the current plans, the doors of the theatre will open to the public in 2027.
"Building a new theatre offers a brand-new opportunity for its operations. Now, it's finally the theatre's turn. Studies show that cultural investments in cities yield manifold returns. Every theatre-goer also spends a considerable amount on other regional services, such as restaurants and accommodations. Developing the Cultural Centre, the theatre, Culture Square, and its surroundings will enhance Espoo's appeal as a cultural city", says Paula Viljakainen, Espoo City Councillor and Chair of the Board of Directors of Espoo City Theatre Foundation.
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