Jyväskylä completes 30 million euro theatre renovation

Jyväskylä City Theatre has completed a three-year, 30 million euro renovation of its building designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, Yle reports. The project made the theatre accessible, replaced its technical systems and doubled the capacity of its smaller auditorium.

Completed in 1982, the theatre has now undergone its first major renovation. Planning took several years, while the construction work lasted three years.

The theatre’s director, Marietta Kunnas, said the completion of the work was a relief.

“This is a healthy and safe space for both employees and audiences,” she said.

The renovated building includes a lift and additional toilets. The theatre had previously faced problems with its facilities, including inadequate ventilation. The stage lift on the main stage also broke down in 2019.

Aalto’s architectural vision preserved

The renovation largely preserved the building’s original architecture. The most visible change is an enlarged terrace facing Jyväskylä City Hall and Kirkkopuisto, a park.

The terrace expansion follows Aalto’s original idea of creating a public square between administrative buildings in the city’s administrative quarter.

The theatre also has space for a lunch restaurant, which is scheduled to open in September.

Smaller auditorium doubles in size

The smaller auditorium now has 200 seats, up from 100. Additional space was created by removing the roof of a parking garage and the terrace above the stage.

The changes have improved visibility from the auditorium, according to operations manager Tuukka Toijanniemi. Previously, the height of the auditorium made it difficult for people in the middle and back rows to see the stage clearly. The seating area now has a more uniform layout.

New lighting, sound and ventilation systems

The theatre’s technical systems have been completely renewed to meet current requirements. Both the main and smaller stages have immersive sound systems designed to create a three-dimensional sound experience.

All lighting equipment and sound systems have been replaced. The lighting equipment is mobile, reducing the time needed to direct the lights.

The new technology has also improved ventilation. Accessible seating in the main auditorium was renewed as part of the renovation.

Renovated theatre opens with Aalto play

The theatre season begins in September with Aino A., a play about Alvar Aalto’s spouse.

In July, 13 buildings designed by Alvar Aalto were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jyväskylä has three sites on the list: Säynätsalo Town Hall, the Muuratsalo Experimental House and the University of Jyväskylä campus.

Although the city theatre is not on the list, Kunnas said the recognition of Aalto’s work was also significant for the theatre.

“It is absolutely right that our opening production should deal with the Aaltos. I am grateful that we can bring the Aaltos’ story to life in the Aaltos’ building,” she said.