Occupation continues at Kulosaaren Manor in Helsinki as evictions loom

The outbuilding of Kulosaaren Manor in Helsinki’s Kivinokka has been occupied and used unlawfully for over two months. The city of Helsinki has allowed the occupants to continue, but they are expected to be evicted by early autumn. Ongoing negotiations aim to find a more permanent solution for the group.

The events began in spring 2024 when multiple occupations took place in Helsinki. Notable instances include the occupation of Meilahti Manor’s main building by a collective called Mäyräkoplaksi on April 15, followed closely by another group, Students Against Cuts, claiming the manor’s dance pavilion. Both actions were a response to government budget discussions.

The Meilahti occupation was short-lived, but a week later, the loosely organized Makamik collective announced via Instagram that they had occupied the vacant main building of Kulosaaren Manor for celebrations, as the city plans to auction it off. Shortly after, Makamik left the premises, but the group known as Kaaoskartano declared they had occupied a pavilion near Kulosaaren Manor by late May, which remains under occupation.

In support of the activists, Helsinki’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and Leisure, Paavo Arhinmäki, visited the occupied site in late May. He expressed support for the group’s aims and the desire for the city to provide suitable space for them. The occupants are seeking an autonomous community space for marginalized individuals and communities, mirroring earlier frustrations with housing policies and costs.

Markku Toivonen, a community partnership manager, is working with the city and youth organizations to find a long-term solution. Recently, significant progress was made with the formation of a support association, Louhos ry, which has been active for over four years in securing affordable spaces for creative youth. The city plans to sell Kulosaaren Manor in early autumn, and the police will oversee the eviction process based on a request from the city. The exact timing is currently uncertain as final inspections are taking place.