The first visible phase of the construction project was initiated when the Science Centre Tietomaa was closed in July of 2023 and the science theater’s demolition began in the fall. The new building’s construction work began in the spring of 2024.
The building complex, that will be 9540 brm2, must meet the future demands of an exhibition and event centre. The Science Centre Tietomaa, the Museum of North Ostrobothnia and brand-new services as well as a café and a store will be located in the building complex. The desired modularity of the facilities will make modifiability possible. Thus, new experiences can be offered to visitors where the same space can always feel brand-new. Shared facilities also offer opportunities for new kinds of collaboration.
New exhibition halls open new possibilities
At present, the construction planning is working on the specifications on the exhibition halls and their functions. There will be eight exhibition halls and the exhibition area will extend to outdoor areas as well.
Part of the exhibition spaces are condition controlled. “This is a massive improvement in comparison to our old facilities. Museum pieces do not necessarily have to be placed in display cases anymore, which makes brand-new exhibition design and realization possible than what we are used to”, the Director of Oulu Museum and Science Centre Pekka Olsbo explains.
The portability of museum pieces and structures in the halls and different facilities is under more precise evaluation. “Even larger pieces can be incorporated in the exhibitions since the doors are large enough”, Olsbo offers a tangible example.
The finished complex will be opened to the public in Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year 2026.
See pictures from the construction site below. Pictures: Mika Friman.
