Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a day full of festivities. On Friday, June 2nd, the museum will open its doors with free admission and offer a diverse program of music, dance, and guided tours of the Tom of Finland exhibition.
As visitors step into Kiasma's first floor, they will be greeted by Ben Fury & street dancers, a group of five performers who will bring street dance to the audience.
Ben Fury, an acclaimed choreographer and director, will showcase his piece "Space/Heritage" at the URB23 festival this summer.
For children, there will be special programs at the Kiasma Theatre and its foyer from 4 PM to 6 PM. Sade ry will organize a Call out Junior street dance disco at the theatre, while the foyer will host a graffiti workshop for young artists. These activities are designed for children under 12 years old, and adults are encouraged to participate alongside their children.
To mark the occasion, Kiasma Café and the museum shop will have special offers, and in the museum's lower level, visitors will be able to collect art publications and posters from various exhibitions throughout the years. The café will feature DJs starting at 12 PM and continue until 10 PM when the lower level services close. The exhibitions will remain open until 8:30 PM. All the activities planned for the anniversary celebration are free of charge.
Guided tours shed light on Tom of Finland's career
During the anniversary celebration, Kiasma will offer guided tours of the Tom of Finland - Brave Journey exhibition, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the artist's works and life. The tours will be conducted in Finnish from 5 PM to 6 PM and in English from 6 PM to 7 PM. Due to the explicit sexual content featured in the exhibition, it is not recommended for children.
In the evening, the Kiasma Theatre will host a screening of the documentary film "Daddy and the Muscle Academy," which explores Tom of Finland's life and career. The film will start at 7 PM, and it is suitable for viewers aged 16 and above.
In addition to the "Brave Journey" exhibition, Kiasma is currently showcasing the "Dreamy – Queer and the Freedom to Dream" exhibition, which focuses on questions of sexuality and gender through selected works from the National Gallery's collection. On the fourth and fifth floors, visitors can explore the exhibition by Daniel Steegmann Mangranén, whose artworks challenge our perceptions and ways of viewing the world.
A significant architectural landmark in the heart of Helsinki
Designed by architect Steven Holl, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art was opened to the public on May 30, 1998. Kiasma stands as one of the iconic buildings of its time, leaving a lasting impression on the cityscape.
Over the years, Kiasma has brought the most intriguing contemporary art from Finland and abroad to its visitors. To date, the museum has welcomed over 5.6 million people.
As Kiasma celebrates its 25th anniversary, the museum continues to be a vibrant hub of artistic expression and exploration, inviting both locals and international visitors to engage with the ever-evolving world of contemporary art.
For the complete program of Kiasma's 25th anniversary celebration, please visit Kiasma's website.
HT
