First phase of the extension of the Helsinki Expo completed

25.08.2026

The first visible phase of the construction of Solar, the extension of the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, has been completed.

The renewed southern main entrance of the Centre will be taken into use in conjunction with the SSIEM 2026 Congress, which begins today, and next week's Habitare fair. Solar, the event space of the future rising at Messuaukio square, will be completed in autumn 2027.

Construction of Solar, which will strengthen Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre as an international event venue, has advanced significantly over the summer. The building's frame, reaching heights of up to 14 metres in some areas, is now in place.

With the completion of the first phase of construction, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre's new Messuaukio square entrance will be opened for use. The new entrance will welcome visitors beginning with the SSIEM 2026 Congress on inherited metabolic disorders, which starts on Tuesday. The entrance will next be in use when the autumn season of major public events begins and the furniture, design and interior fair Habitare opens its doors next Wednesday.

“Construction of Solar is progressing according to plan, and the new event space has generated exceptionally strong interest among our customers. A substantial number of bookings have already been made for this experiential event space of the future. Solar will strengthen Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre as an international event venue, and upon completion, the entire façade, entrances and lobby areas of the venue will be transformed with a new look,” says Veronica Lindholm, CEO of The Finnish Fair Corporation.

Designed by Davidsson Tarkela Siren Architects, the glass-structured building will, upon completion, be one of the most modern event spaces in the Nordics, seamlessly combining impressive architecture with striking contemporary digital surfaces. Solar is one of the largest investments made by Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre in recent decades, with a value of approximately EUR 20 million.

Solar is being delivered in partnership with YIT using the alliance model. Project partners also include Architects Davidsson Tarkela Siren, Sweco Structural Engineering, Äyräväinen Engineering and E-Plan Engineering.

Operations at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre will continue uninterrupted throughout the construction period until autumn 2027. During events in autumn 2026 and spring 2027, visitors will primarily use the southern and northern entrances, while the western and eastern entrances will also be opened when necessary to ensure smooth access to events.