Major contemporary art event Helsinki Biennial 2025 invites reflection on Shelter and empathy

The curators of Helsinki Biennial 2025, Blanca de la Torre and Kati Kivinen, drew inspiration from the protected Vallisaari Island, which has been preserved from human habitation for decades. Helsinki Biennial 2025 explores the significance of shelter and turns the gaze towards non-human nature. In the works, the focus shifts from humans to animals, water, plants, insects, minerals, and other living agents and their role as contributors to our planet’s well-being.

- Helsinki Biennial 2025 provides a unique opportunity to re-evaluate our conception of the relationship between humans and nature. Amid the diverse environment of Vallisaari Island, the climate crisis, and the loss of biodiversity, the biennial invites reflection on shelter as a caring space where all lifeforms can thrive. We want to create new ways of coexisting in a world that needs more understanding and empathy and to inspire positive environmental action, curators Kati Kivinen and Blanca de la Torre say.

The third edition of Helsinki Biennial will once again showcase artists around the world. This time, the biennial features 37 artists and collectives representing 30 cultures, particularly from the Nordic Countries, Latin America, and Asia.

The artists and collectives of Helsinki Biennial 2025 are Maria Thereza Alves (BR/DE), Band of Weeds (FI), Ana Teresa Barboza (PE), Sissel M Bergh (Sápmi/NO), Sara Bjarland (FI/NL), Saskia Calderón (EC), Edgar Calel (GT), Tania Candiani (MX), Regina de Miguel (ES/DE), Olafur Eliasson (DK/IS), Carola Grahn (Saepmie/SE), Tue Greenfort (DK), Kalle Hamm (FI) & Dzamil Kamanger (IR/FI), Tamara Henderson (CA/AU), Gunzi Holmström (FI), Katie Holten (IE/US), Ingela Ihrman (SE), Geraldine Javier (PH), Aluaiy Kaumakan (TW), Kristiina Koskentola (FI/NL), Yayoi Kusama (JP), Jenni Laiti (FI/SE) & Carl-Johan Utsi (SE), LOCUS / Thale Blix Fastvold & Tanja Thorjussen (NO), nabbteeri (FI), Ernesto Neto (BR), Otobong Nkanga (NG/BE), Giuseppe Penone (IT), Laura Põld (EE/AT), Marjetica Potrč (SI), Kati Roover (EE/FI), Hans Rosenström (FI), Paul Rosero Contreras (EC), Raimo Saarinen (FI), Pia Sirén (FI), Theresa Traore Dahlberg (SE/BF), Nomeda & Gediminas Urbonas (LT/US) and Juan Zamora (ES).

Aiming for a visual arts phenomenon and a long-lasting legacy

Helsinki Biennial is a forward-looking art event created with great passion for a wide audience. In 2025, the biennial will expand to Esplanade Park, making international contemporary art easily accessible to everyone throughout the event’s 105 days.

- Helsinki’s ambitious vision is to become an art capital recognised worldwide for its exceptional art and cultural offerings. That vision finds exemplary expression in this year’s Helsinki Biennial. Our long-term goal is to make the biennial one of the world’s most renowned art events and an enduring major attraction for our city, says Helsinki Mayor Juhana Vartiainen.

Helsinki Biennial will open to the public on 8 June 2025. Before that, the Helsinki Biennial Preview will bring together international visual arts professionals, offering them an opportunity to experience art amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Helsinki and the Finnish archipelago. Organised in collaboration with Frame Contemporary Art Finland and Helsinki’s art institutions, the programme offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the city’s artistic scene.

- Helsinki Biennial 2025 is a significant step towards a more accessible and internationally recognised art city. We aim to leave a long-lasting legacy through the artworks that remain in the city as well as the networking and inspiration generated by the event. So far, over 400 visual arts professionals have applied to take part in the professional programme, says Arja Miller, the director of HAM Helsinki Art Museum and Helsinki Biennial.

Helsinki Biennial is more accessible than ever

Helsinki Biennial 2025 is designed for a wide audience, and its accessibility has been improved with a new venue in the centre of Helsinki. During the event, top contemporary art can be experienced for free in Esplanade Park.

Once again, Helsinki Biennial will also extend to HAM Helsinki Art Museum at Tennis Palace. HAM’s impressive arched halls will showcase works specifically suited for museum spaces.

As usual, the ferry service to Vallisaari Island is operated by FRS Finland. Ferries to the island depart from the Market Square, and according to current information a standard ticket will cost €10.90 this summer. Through strong cooperation, Metsähallitus, which is responsible for ferry service tendering, HAM Helsinki Art Museum, and the City of Helsinki were able to lower the price for a more user-friendly experience, as compared to summer 2024.

- For Helsinki, it is important that everyone has an opportunity to experience fascinating new international art. That is why the city has been particularly involved in supporting the accessibility of Helsinki Biennial for all residents of Helsinki. We have negotiated the price to be approximately 50% lower than in 2023, and we are still working on finding new options, says Paavo Arhinmäki, the Helsinki deputy mayor for culture and leisure.

Key dates for Helsinki Biennial

• 5 June, Media Day
• 6–8 June, Helsinki Biennial Preview for professionals
• 8 June, Helsinki Biennial 2025 opens to the public
• 21 September, Helsinki Biennial 2025 ends

Helsinki Biennial opening hours, admission, and ferries

• Esplanade Park’s works and Vallisaari Island’s outdoor works, 8 June – 21 September 2025
• Vallisaari Island’s indoor works and Helsinki Biennial services, 8 June – 21 September 2025, Tue–Sun 11–18
• Works at HAM Helsinki Art Museum, 8 June – 21 September 2025, Tue 10–17, Wed–Fri 11–19, Sat–Sun 11–17; see special opening hours at hamhelsinki.fi
• No admission tickets required for Vallisaari Island or Esplanade Park
• HAM Helsinki Art Museum, admission €0–20; see more at hamhelsinki.fi
• Ferry service to Vallisaari Island provided by FRS Finland: tickets; schedules and more at frs-finland.fi

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Helsinki Biennial 2025

Shelter: Below and Beyond, Becoming and Belonging

June 8–September 21, 2025

Vallisaari Island, Esplanade Park, and HAM Helsinki Art Museum