One mall, over a hundred events – culture is created together in Kontula

The Kontula Cultural Mall, made possible by OmaStadi, had an exceptionally varied programme in 2025, offering everything from magic to crafts and from noise music to food experiences. The events were attended by more than 11,000 people.

The Kontula Cultural Mall, one of the projects of the City of Helsinki’s participatory budgeting process OmaStadi, has been in operation since August 2024. The project offers production-related and financial support to city residents and communities that organise cultural events in the Kontula shopping mall area.

Opened in 1967, the Kontula shopping mall – the largest open-air shopping centre in Finland – has long been an important meeting place. The Kontula Cultural Mall project has also given it a more visible role as a stage for culture and urban life. The project has also given rise to new event organisers alongside existing ones.

“Kontula and the Kontula shopping mall are establishing themselves as a vibrant and open cultural hub in the heart of Mellunkylä,” says Cultural Producer Sinivuokko Koivula.

Read the full article (hel.fi/en)

Photo: Kimmo Brandt