Oulu Theatre
Northern Finland's main repertory theatre, in a 1972 building on Vänmanninsaari island by the river mouth.
Oulu Theatre dates back to 1931 and is the leading professional theatre in northern Finland. Its home stands on Vänmanninsaari, a small island in the Oulujoki delta beside the city centre, and was completed in 1972 to a design by the architects Marjatta and Martti Jaatinen. The white concrete building steps towards the water in broad terraces, with the fly tower rising behind, and its foyers look out across the rapids to the old customs quarter and the market square.
The theatre works on a main stage and a smaller studio stage, and mounts a mixed repertoire of Finnish drama, adaptations of novels, musicals, family shows and new writing, mainly in Finnish. During 2026, when Oulu holds the title of European Capital of Culture, it has taken part in the city's programme with productions staged both in the theatre and in unusual locations around Oulu. The building also houses a restaurant and rooms available for hire.
Highlights
- Island building of 1972 by Marjatta and Martti Jaatinen
- Leading professional repertory theatre in northern Finland
- Main stage and a smaller studio stage in one building
- Guided tours of the theatre in Finnish and English
