Get Lost in the Lights of Helsinki

Helsinki has the unique talent of being a cosmopolitan city while retaining the feel of a small town, and for five days in January the local government transforms it into an urban art gallery. Inaugurated in 2009, Lux Helsinki is a light art festival that takes place across town in a variety of venues like the Annantalo Arts Centre and Old Church Park.

© Jekurantodistaja | Dreamstime

Artistic director Markuu Uimonen of the University of the Arts Helsinki curated a lineup of participants respected in Finland and internationally. Helsinki Cathedral will be the site for Ilon Kuvia, or Images of Joy, a light projection on the church’s facade created by the country’s most renowned contemporary artists: Stefan Bremer, Eeva Hannula, Henna Jula, Heta Kuchka, Visa Norros, Maiju Salmenkivi, Petri Tuhkanen and Katja Tukianinen.

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Esplanade Park will be occupied by TILT of France, who will be showcasing their beloved Lampounette art installation, a collection of oversized work lamps overlooking the square. If you want something more interactive, the Annantalo Arts Centre will house the Light Playground, where people can participate in workshops, journey through the nocturnal forest and even relax at the polar night therapy clinic.

Lux Helsinki is a free festival held Jan. 6–10. Learn about all the venues and installations at luxhelsinki.fi/en.