Features
ASM Global Enters Finland
ASM Global has been appointed to run operations at Kulttuuritalo, Helskini, marking the live entertainment giant’s entry into the Finnish market.
The deal was struck with Helsingin Kulttuurihub Oy, which acquired the building in 2022
Kulttuuritalo was designed by Alvar Aalto, and first opened in the 1950s. Since then, the building has been hosting concerts, gala nights, trade shows, and other events. It’s main auditorium has a seated capacity of 1,400.
Located in Helsinki’s Alppila district, “Kulttuuritalo is now looking ahead to the future,” according to a press release announcing the partnership with ASM Global. It continues, “there is a shared vision both architecturally and culturally, to relaunch and future proof the venue for generations to come, cementing it as a ‘must-visit’ cultural destination and capturing an even wider audience.
“With ASM Global’s expertise, the venue will deliver genre-defying experiences for all, from contemporary cultural events, concerts and live music, club nights as well as offering best-in-class spaces for meetings and events.”
See: ASM Global Partners With London Stadium
ASM Global will also lead the renovation of Kulttuuritalo’s basement space, including the building of a new 300-capacity live music space.
“Titled ‘Klubi,’ this state-of-the-art new club space will play host to live music, club nights, DJs, and streaming events, further broadening and diversifying the events and audiences at the Helsinki venue,” according to the press release.
Chris Bray, executive vice president, Europe at ASM Global, commented, “On behalf of all at ASM Global, I’d like to welcome Kultturitalo to the team. This is a wonderful venue with a rich cultural significance in Helsinki, so we’re incredibly excited to be on board to manage operations and relaunch Kultturitalo through significant investment in infrastructure, food and beverage and developing a new club venue in the basement of the venue.
“This is our first step into Finland, so it’s a huge opportunity for ASM Global, which is already established and seeing huge success in Europe and the Nordics, to expand further into what’s a growing market brimming with opportunity.”
Patrik Sarajuuri, CEO at Helsingin Kulttuurihub Oy, added, “Since acquiring the property in 2022, Helsingin Kulttuurihub Oy has been keen to develop the content and offering of the House of Culture and we are extremely excited to partner with ASM Global in re-creating it as the landmark cultural venue in Helsinki.
“This partnership with the leading global venue operator and creator of live experience enables us to further liven up the content and bring to life this unique building, bringing it closer to all people for live events. House of Culture has exceptional facilities for multiple different uses and experiences with a great location. We are very pleased with the new agreement, which enables significant investment in this iconic venue.”
ASM Global, by its own admission, boasts a portfolio of 350 venues worldwide, which host 20,000 events, and welcome 165 million guests every year.