Art House Turku
The Art House Turku is an attractive venue that brings together different art forms, serving as a meeting place for both artists and visitors. The aim is to create a versatile, diverse, surprising environment that invites visitors to linger.
History
The Art House Turku (Taiteen talo) opened in the heart of the Old Town in spring 2022 as a home for art and culture, serving artists, local residents and tourists alike. Originally, the Art House complex comprised six buildings constructed between the 1800s and the 1920s, but in April 2025, following a decision by the city council, the Old Town Hall, Brinkkala House, the Brinkkala courtyard houses and the Brinkkala courtyard were also incorporated into the Art House complex.
On the Nunnankatu side of the Art House complex, the P.C. Rettig & Co tobacco factory operated from 1845 to 1960. From 1986 to 2017, the buildings were owned by the Åbo Akademi University Foundation. Full-time teaching activities at the property came to an end in 2017 when Novia University of Applied Sciences vacated the premises on Nunnankatu.
The City of Turku purchased the property in December 2021 for a total purchase price of €12 million.
Operations and content
The key to the diversity of programme content and services lies in a multifaceted and multidisciplinary community comprising both long-term and short-term tenants, as well as partners. Collaboration takes place with, amongst others, cultural organisations, creative economy enterprises, commercial organisations and higher education institutions.
The Art House is home to visual artists, performing artists, writers, spoken-word artists, comic book creators and professionals from the creative sectors, and hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, events and workshops. The premises are available for hire for both public and private use.
Anni SavolainenThe Art House Turku has been accepted as an associate member of the Trans Europe Halles network with effect from June 2023. The network comprises over 180 cultural centres from more than 40 European countries.
The opening of the Art House Turku was celebrated on 14 May 2022
In its first summer, the programme included exhibitions, festivals, concerts, workshops and club nights, amongst other things. The events in the summer of 2022 attracted around 16,000 visitors.
Jussi VirkkumaaArt House Turku is based on a two-company model
Kiinteistö Oy Turun Nunnankatu 4, established in 2022, owns and manages the site and the buildings on it. It is a mutual property company wholly owned by the City of Turku.
Turun Taiteen talo Oy, established in 2022, operates as the operator of Art House Turku (Taiteen talo). Taiteen talo Oy’s role is to promote and support cultural activities, the employment and livelihoods of arts and culture professionals, and to develop the concept of Art House Turku. The company is wholly owned by the City of Turku.