Construction of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s extension begins

Construction of Solar, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s event space of the future, has begun. Once completed, the bright and spacious Solar will be one of the most modern event spaces in the Nordic countries, where impressive architecture is combined with flexibility and top-class AV services. The first phase includes building the new main entrance of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, which will open already in the autumn of 2026. Solar will open its doors in the autumn of 2027.mn of 2026. Solar will open its doors in the autumn of 2027.

Designed by Davidsson Tarkela Siren Architects, the glass-structured Solar will rise to nearly ten metres in height and strengthen Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre as an international event venue. The new event space will also serve as a showcase for the venue – in the future, it will be the first thing visitors see when arriving at the centre.

As part of the extension, the façade and main entrance of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre will also be renewed. The new entrance will be constructed first and taken into use in the autumn of 2026.

“The bright and spacious Solar will be one of the most modern event spaces in the Nordic countries, where impressive architecture is combined with flexibility and top-class AV services. Solar will evolve and adapt to a wide range of events – from seminars to gala evenings – and further strengthen Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre as an international event venue,” says Veronica Lindholm, CEO of the Finnish Fair Corporation.

Solar is a unique construction project, as the work takes place in the midst of the venue’s everyday activities. This requires exceptionally careful planning from both YIT, the contractor, and Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.

The venue’s busy event calendar has been taken into account from the very beginning. The construction site will be temporarily closed during the Arctic Lights Comic Con event in May and during the University of Helsinki’s entrance examinations in May–June.

The new main entrance will be completed first

The construction project will progress in four phases from spring 2026 to autumn 2027. The first visible phase is the construction of the new main entrance of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, which will open already in the autumn of 2026.

The project includes several technically demanding stages. For example, large ventilation machine rooms will be lifted into place as modules weighing approximately 20 tonnes. The tower crane enables the safe and efficient handling of these elements. A field of solar panels will be installed on the roof of Solar.

Access routes and traffic arrangements will be planned to ensure smooth and safe movement for visitors. A physical construction fence will separate the worksite from passers-by.

Solar will be delivered using the alliance model

Solar will be delivered using the alliance model, with YIT joined by Davidsson Tarkela Siren Architects, Sweco Structural Engineering, Engineering Office Äyräväinen and Engineering Office E-Plan.

Solar will open its doors in the autumn of 2027. Operations at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre will continue uninterrupted throughout the construction period.

More information:

Pia Sievinen, Communications & brand manager, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, tel. +358 40 559 9155, pia.sievinen@messukeskus.com

Explore Solar: https://www.messukeskus.com/en/solar/

Images of Solar can be downloaded 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 2024, the Group’s revenue was 58.4 million euros. The economic impact of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on the surrounding area was 245 million euros, and its employment impact was 3,335 person-years. I Messukeskus. The real social media. I messukeskus.com I @messukeskus