Significant renovation underway for Finland’s Tietomaa science center in Oulu

Finland’s oldest science center, Tietomaa, located in Oulu, is undergoing a significant renovation that will completely transform its appearance. Established in 1988 within the former factory building of the Åströmin brothers, the facility includes a power station and water tower from the early 1920s, which are now receiving thorough renovations.

Pekka Olsbo, director of the Oulu Museum and Science Center, indicates that the protected building’s old spaces will be entirely changed during the renovations, with previously open levels being closed off. Additionally, both the interior surfaces and technology will be updated. A new building, named Tiima, will be constructed alongside Tietomaa. This complex will not only house the science center but also the North Ostrobothnia Museum, along with commercial spaces such as a store and a restaurant.

Ari Tihinen, the project manager, reports that the renovation is on schedule without significant surprises. However, excavation work revealed unexpected items, including demolition debris, old machinery, and even a couple of liters of liquid mercury.

Among the most interesting features of Tiima will be the Deep Space space, measuring 9 meters high and 16 meters wide, which will host a multimedia installation by the Austrian institute Ars Electronica—marked as the first of its kind in the Nordic countries.

Olsbo notes that similar installations exist worldwide only in a few other places. The facility will feature eight projectors creating immersive 3D art pieces, blending science and art with interactive experiences for the audience.

While the exhibition’s specifics remain under wraps, Olsbo hints at an exhibit allowing audiences to explore the human body and possible interactions with Renaissance art. The spaces are set to open to the public in the autumn of 2026, with KTC Group Oy as the primary contractor.