Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 2/2026
13 January 2026
On Friday 16 January 2026, President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb will open Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture.
Together with its 39 partner municipalities in Northern Finland, Oulu is a European Capital of Culture in 2026. President Stubb will deliver a speech at the opening event for Oulu2026 in Oulu Market Square at 16.00.
The President will then visit the newly refurbished Central Library Saari to attend the opening ceremony of the Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo. Kotilo’s activities are aimed especially at children under the age of 12 and their families. Alongside literary art and film education, Kotilo specialises in media art.
Later in the day, President Stubb will explore the extensive Sámi art axhibition Eanangiella – Voice of the Land at the Oulu Art Museum, as well as a photo exhibition entitled PLAY, curated by Fotografiska Tallinn and on display in the Pekuri shopping mall.
The President’s programme in Oulu will also include a company visit to Bittium Corporation.
The European Capital of Culture initiative, established by the European Union, aims to promote cultural diversity and increase cultural exchange between European countries. It also highlights the cultural heritage and creativity of each selected city. The main theme of Oulu2026 is cultural climate change, with the aim of creating a permanently richer cultural life.
Previous European Capitals of Culture in Finland were Helsinki in 2000 and Turku in 2011.
More information on the European Capital of Culture year in Oulu:
