A new sculpture by artist Pekka Jylhä, The Rope Dancer, will be unveiled in the WeeGee courtyard. The work reflects the uncertainty of the present and the future, and portrays a delicate yet courageous figure balancing through the turbulence of the world. The six-metre-tall sculpture greets visitors turning onto Ahertajantie from afar. Join us in celebrating the unveiling of The Rope Dancer!

The artwork was created in collaboration with the City of Espoo and will become part of EMMA’s own collection. In addition to EMMA and the City of Espoo, the work has been funded by the Saastamoinen Foundation.

1:00–1:30 PM – Unveiling of The Rope Dancer by Pekka Jylhä
EMMA’s Chief Curator Henna Paunu interviews the artist, Anna Mantere performs on oboe, and we’ll hear a speech from Olli Isotalo, Director of Urban Environment at the City of Espoo. In Finnish.

1:00–3:00 PM – Open Art Workshop: Tightrope Explorations
Create surprising spinning tops and balance experiments using paper, cardboard, and recycled materials. Can your invention stay on the rope?

You can visit the non-stop workshop at any time. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Adults can also participate in the workshop without a child. Knowledge of Finnish language is not required.

At KAMU Espoo City Museum, you can dive into the spirit of Espoo through both music and crafts. Come listen to music inspired by Espoo and design your own badge to show your love for the city!

11:00 AM–5:00 PM – I <3 Espoo Badge Workshop
Design and craft your own Espoo-themed badge and express your feelings for the city! This non-stop workshop is open throughout the day.

1:00–1:30 PM, 2:00–2:30 PM, 3:00–3:30 PM – Tomi Pulkkinen Trio Performs
Did you know that even Runeberg wrote about Espoo? Experience his poem A Traveller’s Vision as a touching new composition by singer-songwriter Tomi Pulkkinen, performed in a romantic folk-soul style. The Espoo Day set also includes songs about the wise fools of Bemböle and the great philanthropist Aurora Karamzin.

Tomi Pulkkinen (vocals, composition, lyrics, harmonica, guitar, arrangements) was once Finland’s first full-time troubadour employed by a public library in Espoo. Today, he is an independent artist, performer, and author. He is joined by seasoned violinist Arto Nybom (violin, arrangements) and versatile percussionist Joel Jaakkola (drums, percussion, arrangements).

Welcome to a moving, rhythmic journey into the magical world of music and poetry — with a touch of history!

1:30–4:00 PM – Emma Sofia Ruuth: Tightrope Performance & Workshop
After the unveiling of The Rope Dander, the courtyard continues with a fitting theme. Enjoy a tightrope performance by Emma Sofia Ruuth, followed by a chance to try balancing on the rope yourself.

Emma Sofia Ruuth is a circus artist who graduated in spring 2025 from Salpaus Further Education’s Circus Arts programme, specialising in aerial acrobatics and tightrope walking. Her Espoo Day performance blends tightrope and music into a flowing, hypnotic experience.

1:30 PM – First tightrope performance
2:00–2:30 PM – First tightrope walking workshop
2:45 PM – Second tightrope performance
3:15–3:45 PM – Second tightrope walking workshop

9:30–11:45 PM – The Young Girls of Rochefort Outdoor Film Screening
Espoo Ciné and WeeGee present Jacques Demy’s beloved musical classic The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) as an open-air screening in the WeeGee summer courtyard. The film continues the collaboration between Demy, composer Michel Legrand, and screen icon Catherine Deneuve, which began with The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964).

The film is in French with Finnish subtitles. The courtyard is covered with soft artificial grass — bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the summer cinema! Before the movie begins, you can enjoy a French dinner inspired by the film on the terrace of restaurant Delicatessen WeeGee’s starting at 8:15 PM. Read more and book your table on the restaurant’s website!

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Dinner the Tapiola Way | Arte Povera Meets Cucina Povera

On Espoo Day, the event Dinner the Tapiola Way returns after its first edition in June, bringing together the Arte Povera art movement and cucina povera cuisine! The event includes an expert-led tour of EMMA’s Arte Povera – A New Chapter exhibition, a musical performance by Luca Gargano, and a three-course dinner on the terrace of restaurant Delicatessen WeeGee.

Read more and get your tickets from EMMA Shop’s online store!