Viaporin Kekri 2020
Programme
Guided tours, the Trail of Light, open doors, live music, performances and exhibitions! Have a look at the map of Viaporin Kekri (pdf).
Suomenlinna Tourist Information is open from 10 am to 8 pm on the event day.
The programme is subject to change.
The maiden of Kekri is building the Kekri Buck from 3 to 7 pm
The Kekri Buck is created by the maiden of Kekri close-by the ferry pier. It will be built during the evening and left in Suomenlinna to wait for a better time – for a time when we can all gather together for a big Kekri celebration. At that celebration, the Kekri Buck will be set on fire together with our sorrows and sadnesses!
Take a photo with yourself together with the Kekri spirit and spin the wheel of fortune. You will get to know, what is your mythical power animal for next year. Are you member of the tribe of the bear or maybe of the tribe of the moose?
The Trail of Light is free
Walk the trail of light all the way from the ferry shore to Susisaari island’s Tenaille von Fersen. The trees, buildings and landmarks along the trail have been lit, and you can see Suomenlinna in a new light.
Why not take a break on your walk and stop to enjoy unforgettable illuminating performances by Light Circus Spektri and the fire performance group Tulityöryhmä Polte. The performances are held at certain intervals, see below.
| Time | Performance | Place of performance |
| 5 pm | Light Cirkus Spektri | Tykistölahti |
| 6 pm | Fire performance Group Polte | Tykistölahti |
| 7 pm | Light Cirkus Spektri | Park next to Linna Bar |
| 7:30 pm | Fire performance Group Polte | Tykistölahti |
| 8 pm | Light Cirkus Spektri | The yard of restaurant Bastion Bistro |
HAA Gallery, open 12 pm – 8 pm
The Jetty Barracks Gallery, run by the Helsinki Artists’ Association, features high-quality exhibitions of contemporary art. During Viaporin Kekri, exhibition TRACES will be open. The TRACES exhibition brings interactive playground for children and young people to the gallery.
Nordic Culture Point – open 12 pm – 4 pm
The Islandic artist, Magnus Logi Kristinsson, performs his ”Painting as a performance” from noon to 4 pm. During your visit, you will be informed about Nordic Culture Point’s programmes and future events. An exhibition about the history of building B28 is held in the premises. Coffee/tea will be served at the event. Free entry.
Read more about Nordic Culture Point here.
HIAP Gallery Augusta exhibition: The Post-Fossil Show, open 12 pm – 6 pm
What concrete changes have to be made in order to stop climate change? HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme, an artist residency based in Suomenlinna, has made significant changes in its activities related to three themes: travel, food and energy. In addition to concrete acts and information the exhibition features contemporary art which deals with the topic of post fossil transition.
Artists/contributors: Saara Hannula & Antti Salminen, Laura Harrington, Saara-Maria Kariranta & Riikka Keränen & Hanna Kaisa Vainio, Bita Razavi, Elina Vainio, Kaisu Savola, Yrjö Sotamaa
The exhibition also features material from the formative Suomenlinna 1968 seminar, which highlighted ecological concerns of the time and had a strong impact on Finnish design culture. The key contributors of the event were design theorists Buckminster Fuller and Victor Papanek.
Read more about HIAP and the exhibition here.
Clear Fair and Certain – Final Buring at HIAP Gallery Augustassa, 4 pm
Elina Vainio’s Clear Fair and Certain is part of the Post-Fossil Show at HIAP Gallery Augusta. The incense-based sculptural installation consists of the title’s three words, moulded from dried and ground plants. The final sculpture will be burned at 4 pm October 31st. The slow burning disintegrates the words and negates their meaning, while simultaneously releasing the scents of various plants, emphasising a future where everything is unclear, unfair and uncertain.
Please note that the sculptures smoulder, smoke and fill the galley space with a subtle aroma.
If possible please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the event.
We have a 25 person maximum for this event. Please book your place here.
Glassblowing and glass art at Glass Studio Hytti, 2 to 6 pm
Hytti ry operates a glass studio in the Virtue Bastion on Susisaari island. During viaporin Kekri, the doors of the studio are open and visitors have a chance to see glassblowing in action and make glass art purchases. Cash and card payment.
Lasistudio Hytti location can be seen at the visitor’s map, number 35. Take a look at visitor’s map.
CANCELLED Suomenlinna Officers’ Club open at Viaporin Kekri
We welcome you to come and get acquainted with Finland’s oldest officers’ club! The members of the club will present the clubhouse that is still in its original use.
Suomenlinna Museum, open 12 pm to 8 pm
You can find delicious autumn specialties at the Suomenlinna Centre Café. Come and take a selfie at our Insta point with the Kekri buck himself.
A new naval band special exhibition will be opened at Viaporin Kekri at the Suomenlinna Museum.
Buy tickets for the museum in advance here.
Free entrance to the Military Museum at Viaporin Kekri, open 11 am to 8 pm
The Military Museum collects objects and images of Finland’s wars and weapons as well as its defence forces. The Military Museum’s exhibitions span from wars fought centuries ago to modern-day crisis management.
Performance of the Suomen Linna Band
Aarni Kivinen’s All Stars will entertain the public and ghosts with their varied numbers. Only time will tell whether we will be able to let the customers enter the building with the band. Fortunately, the Linna Bar has a big terrace space, lovely park, licence to sell outdoors and, as always, a warm atmosphere! Linna Bar is open from 2 pm to 11 pm.
Read more about Linna Bar here.
Concert: Konsort Karhea & Kohtalo, at Myllysali Hall 6 pm
Konsort Karhea orchestra was founded in Suomenlinna 2019 by local musicians. Mostly Konsort Karhea plays old European Instruments and combines the rough sounds of the instruments to different singing voices. At Viaporin Kekri the repertoire includes melancholy and even dark songs.
30 first attendees can have a place in the audience. Please come early so you can confirm a place. We expect the audience to wear a face mask upon arrival and departure and during the concert.
Free entry! Read more about Konsort Karhea at Facebook (in Finnish).
Enjoy a Kekri bath in a sauna tent outside Linna Bar
Linna Bar brings a sauna tent to Suomenlinna for Kekri baths. In the sauna, a professional “löylynheittäjä” throws water on the stones in such a controlled and polished manner to transport the bather to the indescribable world of hot and steamy paradise, or inferno.
Price EUR 15, bring your own towel, towels for rent available. Drinks at the bar. The sauna will already be open on Friday 30 October from 4 pm to 9 pm, and in Viaporin Kekri 31 October from 2 pm to 9 pm. Sauna places are limited so make sure you arrive on time to secure your place. A heated terrace or bar is open to those who may have to wait to enter the sauna. Linna Bar is open from 2 pm to 11 pm (serving ends at 10 pm).
Suomenlinna Church is open from 12 pm to 6 pm
On All Saints’ Day the Church of Suomenlinna is open and invites you to light a candle for your loved ones that have already passed. This is a place of memories, of peace and quiet.
The church steeple houses a beacon for air and sea traffic. Read more about the church here.
