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    • Hanaholmen 1975–2025

    50 Years for Sweden and Finland

    In 2025, Hanaholmen celebrated 50 years as a cooperation and cultural centre for Sweden and Finland. The anniversary was visible throughout the building – from the restaurant and gallery to the programmes and seminars. Visitors at Hanaholmen could experience the jubilee in many ways: taste our exclusive anniversary menu, be inspired by thought-provoking programmes, and discover the story of Hanaholmen's role as a promoter for collaboration over five decades. We did not only celebrate our past but also looked ahead to strengthen future Finnish-Swedish relations further. Hanaholmen continues to build bridges between Finland and Sweden, focusing on new opportunities for collaboration and development.


    THE ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME

    Dialogues for Our Futures

    During our anniversary year Hanaholmen arranged a programme series called Dialogues for Our Futures. This series consisted of twelve forward-looking dialogues, developed in collaboration with several partners. Our partners had contributed with ideas, and together identified key themes that are important for Swedish-Finnish cooperation.

    The dialogues took place not only at Hanaholmen but also on prominent Swedish stages, such as Folk och Kultur, Almedalen Week, and the Gothenburg Book Fair.

    Dialogues for Our Futures

    Check out the programmes below.

    Exhibition

    • Gallery Hanaholmen

    In January 2025, a unique anniversary exhibition opens, showcasing Hanaholmen's role as a meeting place for Finland and Sweden. The exhibition combines images and stories from our history with an interactive installation that invites visitors to engage in dialogue and reflection.

    Welcome to experience Hanaholmen’s history and future – the exhibition is open throughout the anniversary year!

    Hanaholmen 50 in Other Programmes

    Several other programmes also highlighted Swedish-Finnish cooperation, exploring both historical and future perspectives. Highlights included a grand anniversary celebration 2nd of June, the Swedish National Day Celebration 4th of June and the publication of the Bilateral Barometer, assessing the state of Swedish-Finnish relations, in September 2025.

    Check out our events calendar for more exciting programmes!

    To the events calendar

    PLATS Celebrates 50!

    Half a Century of Meetings and Meals

    Our restaurant PLATS will feature a special five-course tasting menu, blending beloved classics from past years with seasonal favourites from the à la carte menu.

    The dining experience can be complemented with the signature drink of the anniversary year, Stockholm Mule, offering a refreshing start to your culinary journey.

    The tastes of the anniversary can also be found at Café Hanaholmen that serves a chocolate and hazelnut pastry decorated with Hanaholmen's anniversary logo.

    Book a table


    A Book about Hanaholmen's History

    In May 2025, a book about Hanaholmen's history, written by historian Stefan Nygård, is released. The book explores Hanaholmen’s journey from the founding in 1975 to the present, highlighting events, people, and societal changes that have shaped our mission over five decades.

    The book will be available for purchase at Hanaholmen's reception, and it can also be bought together with our special anniversary tote bag!

    Photo: Robert Lindström

    Hanaholmen's history

    The Hanaholmen Cultural Centre was inaugurated on 1 June 1975 by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden and the President of Finland, Urho Kekkonen. The discussions about building a cultural centre for Sweden and Finland began in 1967, when Sweden decided to cancel SEK 100 million of wartime debt in conjunction with Finland’s 50th anniversary. Architect Veikko Malmio was commissioned to design the building, while Professor Yrjö Sotamaa planned the interior design. Construction began in 1973 and was completed two years later.

    Read more

    Would you or your organisation like to celebrate Hanaholmen’s anniversary year?

    If you would like to congratulate us, you can leave a small donation to the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Foundation account FI08 2001 3800 0430 76, BIC: NDEAFIHH marked with “Hanaholmen 50”. The gifts will be used for future art acquisitions at Hanaholmen.