Oulu is an active city full of culture. Probably the best-known cultural events of the city of Oulu are Air Guitar World Championships and the choir Mieskuoro Huutajat (also known as Screaming Men). There are, of course, also many theaters, museums and exhibitions for the culture enthusiasts. Local people take culture very seriously and the city is bidding for European Capital of Culture 2026! Oulu Museum of Art The Oulu Museum of Art's changing exhibitions focus on topical contemporary art without forgetting local and regional perspectives. The museum is located in Ainola Park, about 1 kilometer from the Oulu city center. Address: Kasarmintie 9. Northern Ostrobothnia Museum If you are interested in history, you need to take a tour in Northern Ostrobothnia Museum. It explains the city’s history from pre-history to modern times. Exhibitions captivate people at all ages – you won’t get bored! Smell the tar, learn of adventures in the high seas and get to know working-class life! Children can enjoy the Tales from Doghill (Koiramäki, fictional farm from the olden days) written by a famous Finnish author Mauri Kunnas. Children even have the possibility to play puppet theater! “Kakaravaara – How our children used to live” exhibition might be interesting for younger and older people. The exhibition tells a story of how working-class families with many children used to live. And, as you know, museums are humankind's memory. Currently the museum has a collection of approximately 80,000 items. Look closely, and you might see your own childhood! Northern Ostrobothnia Museum is located in Ainola Park, address: Ainolanpolku 1. Oulu City Theatre Oulu City Theatre is the largest professional theater in Finland. Its top-quality program offers ambitious performances. From the Market Square it takes only four minutes to reach the theatre. It was built in 1972 on a magnificent spot by the market place waterfront. The program consists of 400 performances a year. The theater also annually features performances for children and hosts the Oulu Theatre Festival for Young Audiences. Address: Kaarlenväylä 2
