Helsinki Biennial attracts 145,000 visitors to Vallisaari

A total of 145,000 people visited Vallisaari during the contemporary art event Helsinki Biennial took place for the first time from 12 June to 26 September, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Tuesday.

In addition, the biennial provided art experiences around Helsinki.

The works were placed on Vallisaari and around Helsinki in locations such as the Senate Square, HAM Helsinki Art Museum, Vuosaari, Helsinki Central Library Oodi, and Töölönlahti Bay.

The Helsinki Biennial Inspired programme’s events and exhibitions also attracted visitors.

The programme featured art and culture events inspired by the biennial, organised by the Helsinki cultural, youth, and senior centres as well as companies and art institutions. A total of almost 90,000 visitors attended the Inspired events.

“Helsinki Biennial was a great success. We are very happy with the number of visitors, especially considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. I believe the biennial has had a revitalising effect on Helsinki as a city. Encountering contemporary art in nature and near the sea surely was an exceptional and unique experience for many people”, said Maija Tanninen-Mattila, the director of the biennial and HAM.

Metsähallitus, responsible for taking care of Vallisaari, was also happy with the Helsinki Biennial summer.

Helsinki Biennial presented 41 artists or collectives from Finland and around the world.