Retretti Art Center remains closed in Punkaharju amid renovation delays

The Retretti Art Center, located in Punkaharju, has been closed for exhibitions for the past few years due to unfinished renovations that cost approximately ten million euros. The premises appear tidy from the outside, but the interior tells a different story. Initial corridors are well-lit, yet water puddles and construction debris litter the paths, and an elevator meant for the caves remains uninstalled. Visitors need flashlights to navigate the dimly lit spaces of the complex, and the property caretaker, Toni Lappalainen, notes that even in warm weather, a long-sleeved shirt is necessary.

The main auditorium, once vibrant with concerts prior to the pandemic, is now stripped of valuable items, as the contractor took everything away when renovations halted last spring. Lappalainen reports that unauthorized visitors have since scoured the site for remnants. The electrical control room is currently significant, as it facilitates heating checks, which remain functional for now, although it’s uncertain how long maintenance costs can be covered. Disconnection of utilities might lead to severe water damage, as condensation and freezing conditions are detrimental to the cave structure.

Discussions involving the city of Savonlinna regarding the future of Retretti are underway, though specific information remains confidential. The last few years have been challenging for Retretti, which saw its second bankruptcy in 2012 after a thriving period in the ’80s and ’90s. Major renovations that began in 2018 promised long-standing cultural activities, yet setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic and other circumstances, including the Ukraine war affecting visitor demographics, disrupted plans. The complex was listed for auction this past summer, but significant repair estimates complicated potential sales. The trustee managing the bankruptcy describes this case as one of the most challenging in his 25 years of experience.