Helsinki Central Library Oodi
Helsingin keskustakirjasto Oodi
A “city living room” opened in 2018, with a wave-shaped wooden building housing 3D printers, recording studios, and a top-floor “Book Heaven.” Free to enter, it showcases the public life of Finns.
Oodi Library was built to mark the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence and opened in December 2018. Designed by ALA Architects, its exterior is an undulating wave of spruce wood facing Parliament House, symbolizing equality between citizens and government. It is more than a place to borrow books and is known as a “city living room.” The ground floor has a café, an event hall, and a cinema. The second floor is the “City Workshop,” where residents can book 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, recording studios, and game rooms free of charge. The third floor is “Book Heaven,” with a white, cloud-like undulating ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, stepped seating, and robots that carry books; its terrace overlooks Parliament House and the city center. Entry is free, with clean public restrooms and charging seats, making it a great place for tourists to rest. Nearby are the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the Helsinki Music Centre, and the National Museum of Finland; to the northwest is Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall, which together form a modern architecture route. It is about a 5-minute walk from Central Station.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 08:00–22:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–20:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
- Helsinki Central Station
- Kamppi Chapel of Silence
- Finlandia Hall
- Amos Rex
- Ateneum Art Museum
- National Museum of Finland
- Esplanadi Park