Govt Palace to remain open for people on Saturday

The government Palace will remain open for people on Saturday from 10.00am to 2.00 pm on Saturday as a part of celebrating the Together Weekend on occasion of the Independence Centenary.

The people may visit the government Palace, the House of the Estates, the Government Banquet Hall, Arppeanum, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior, said an official press release.

Many of the ministries will be showcasing their activities and discussing topical matters at the House of the Estates at Snellmaninkatu 9–11.

At the House of the Estates, a rare collection of documents will be on display from the archives of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The documents are records of the formal recognition of Finland’s independence by countries such as Russia, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria-Hungary.

Historical characters enacted by professional actors dressed in attire worn a century ago will take the audience back in time to the early moments of Finland’s independence.

Prominent figures from the past will mingle with the public, such as Yrjö Sakari Yrjö-Koskinen, a leading figure in the Finnish nationalist movement and Anni Sofia ”Tuikku” Collan, a pioneering figure in women’s sport and gymnastics. Leopold (Leo) Henrik Stanislaus Mechelin, a distinguished statesman, and the housekeeper of the House of the Estates, will also be there.

The Ministry of Justice is open to the public at Eteläesplanadi 10. The Ministry of Justice will hold info briefs on various subjects, tours of the building, art tours and presentations of the e-Democracy services.

Ministry of the Interior is open to the public at Kirkkokatu 12. The Ministry will offer brief public lectures and there will be a display of equipment used by the police force, the rescue department and the Finnish Border Guard.

At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, experts will explain how the Ministry operates and recount the history of the premises in Merikasarmi. Public lectures will be held from 11 to 12 and from 13 to 14 in Engel Sali at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Laivastokatu 22 (entry via door A3). The open house event is part of the Together weekend (from 25 to 27 August), when many events related to the Finland 100 programme will be held both in Finland and around the world.

There will be a security check at each location open to the public. There are no facilities for storing bags or items of clothing, so please make sure not to bring any big bags or backpacks. No items containing liquids are permitted. The guided tours are not accessible by pram or buggy.

The sites will be open as a rule from 10 to 14 on Saturday. All those who arrive by 14.00 will be able to enter, unless otherwise indicated. Wheelchair users will have access to the premises through a separate entrance, with the exception of the Government Banquet Hall.