Built between 1876 and 1879 on the initiative of Governor General Nikolai Adlerberg as a Russian theatre, this Helsinki venue first served the local Russian garrison, and its bricks came from Åland. The opera company was based here from 1918 until 1993, when it moved to the opera house on Töölö Bay, so the building is also known as the Old Opera House. The main hall seats about 500.
The programme covers concerts, dance and ballet, operetta, musicals, plays, children's shows and stand-up. Tickets are sold at the box office, by phone and through Lippupiste. Refreshments are served in the interval, and there is also the Salakapakka bar. Wheelchair access to the main hall needs advance notice.
