Campus as a Stage: 2026 European Capital of Culture opening ceremony on the Kontinkangas campus
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture 2026 and the University of Oulu participates in creating this unforgettable cultural experience. The spear head for the university’s own 2026 culture programme is Campus as a Stage event series, the purpose of which is to showcase the broad cultural expertise of our university community and bring culture to the everyday life of our campuses and to the wider public. The series includes culture lunches, culture lectures, After Work events, various exhibitions and community art works, and art tours of the university's art collections. In the opening ceremony, you will get a small taste of these events.
Event information
Time
Tue 20.01.2026 10:00 - 18:00
Venue location
Kontinkangas campus, Aapistie 5
Location
Opening ceremony’s programme on the Kontinkangas campus, daytime:
10:00 The event begins in the central lobby of Kieppi, the Kontinkangas campus’ main building. The event is hosted by Simo Kekäläinen.
Opening words from the University of Oulu’s rectors. Presenting the backstory of the collective artwork that will be created during the opening ceremony.
10:30 Culture Lecture, Professor Band. New Oulu Big Bang in an acoustic setting.
11:00 Culture Lunch: the Student Theatre of Oulu, restaurant Medisiina. Story time. Who said stories are for children only? Members of the Student Theatre of Oulu create a relaxing and whimsical lunch break by reading fairy tales and stories at the university restaurants.
11:30 Culture Lecture, Cassiopeia.
12:00 Culture Lunch: the Oulu University Chamber Orchestra, restaurant Medisiina. The university chamber orchestra plays familiar tunes at the campus' opening event.
Between 10 am and 2 pm you can also participate in creating a collective artwork for the opening ceremony in the Kieppi’s lobby. Come and leave your own mark on this wonderful textile art piece!
Opening ceremony’s programme on the Kontinkangas campus, evening:
17:00 After Work event begins on the Tellus Kontinkangas Stage.
University of Oulu’s library organizes a movie night: you get a little taste of the Off to North! film festival. More detailed program of the movie night will be updated closer to the event date.
Campus as a Stage 2026 opening ceremony will also be held on the Linnanmaa campus on January 22nd, 2026.
You are warmly welcome to join the celebration for the start of the European Capital of Culture year also on the university campuses!