Kotilo’s Opening Celebration January 16–18, 2026
Watch the Book of Oulu’s launch event here. It is a part of the Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo’s opening celebration on January 16, 2026.
The broadcast takes place in Central Library Saari’s Pakkala Hall at 10.00–11.00.
Welcome to the year’s most wonderful celebration!
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo opens its doors to the public on Friday January 16, 2026, at 13.00
Once the doors have opened, visitors may explore the brand-new facilities and exhibitions as well as participate in workshops organized all over Central Library Saari, or visitors may simply enjoy the joyful carnival atmosphere!
The following events take place in Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, which is located in Central Library Saari’s fourth floor.
13.00–20.00 Kotikulmilla Exhibition
The exhibition explores Johanna Ilander’s charming illustrations from the Book of Oulu.
13.00–20.00 Ystävän talo Exhibition
The exhibition invites you to follow the paths of children in the city. You may also leave an audio gift to a friend as part of Joel Karppanen’s media art piece.
14.00 Artists of the Book of Oulu
How were Kotilo’s exhibition created? Exhibition artists Joel Karppanen, Johanna Ilander, Beckie Darlington, and Andy Field are interviewed. Workshops are also organized in training rooms Simpukka and Rapu next to Kotilo.
15.00 Rytmikone Kasper Performance
A young master of beatbox who combines music and rhythm in a unique way.
15.30–19.00 Kotilo’s Art Workshops
What is Kotilo? What is it like? Join Kotilo’s workshops in training rooms Simpukka and Rapu next to Kotilo.
16.00 Oulu Art School’s theater group Näytelmätykit
As a part of the Villisti Taikkari event, Oulu Art School’s theater group Näytelmätykit performs scenes they have created inspired by Kotilo’s opening exhibition’s theme: friendship.
17.00 Art Disco
The Children’s Cultural Centre transforms into a disco!
Ceremonies on Saturday January 17
The openings of Central Library Saari and Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo are celebrated in a separate event on Saturday January 17, 2026
The ceremony is held at 12.00 in Pakkala Hall. The ceremony can be followed via broadcast in Laituri Hall.
Everyone is welcome to join the celebration!
Schedule:
12.00 Opening remarks
12.05 Opening speech, Minister of Art and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie
12.15 Teuvo Pakkala School’s musical performance
12.25 Mayor Ari Alattosava’s speech
12.35 Discussion on Central Library Saari’s renovation, Architect Maren Nielsen and Interior Architect Laura Hämäläinen, JKMM Arkkitehdit Oy’s Project Manager Raimo Viittaniemi, and Project Director Sanna Pääkkönen from Property and Facilities Management Services of Oulu.
13.10 Coffee service in the lobby. Ice cream for children!
13.30 The Book of Oulu – children speak and adults listen
Children sign books in Laituri Hall
After the ceremony in Pakkala Hall, the celebration coninues in the Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo.
10.00–20.00 Kotikulmilla Exhibition
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, Saari’s fourth floor
The exhibition explores Johanna Ilander’s charming illustrations from the Book of Oulu.
10.00–20.00 Ystävän talo Exhibition
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo’s Gallery, Saari’s fourth floor
The exhibition invites you to follow the paths of children in the city. You may also leave an audio gift to a friend as part of Joel Karppanen’s media art piece.
15.00 Artists of the Book of Oulu
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, Saari’s fourth floor
How were Kotilo’s exhibition created? Exhibition artists Joel Karppanen, Johanna Ilander, Beckie Darlington, and Andy Field are interviewed. Workshops are also organized in training rooms Simpukka and Rapu next to Kotilo.
10.00–17.00 Kotilo’s Art Workshops
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, training rooms Simpukka and Rapu, Saari’s fourth floor
What is Kotilo? What is it like? Join Kotilo’s workshops in training rooms Simpukka and Rapu next to Kotilo.
Ceremonies on Sunday January 18
10.00–20.00 Kotikulmilla Exhibition
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, Saari’s fourth floor
The exhibition explores Johanna Ilander’s charming illustrations from the Book of Oulu.
10.00–20.00 Ystävän talo Exhibition
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo’s Gallery, Saari’s fourth floor
The exhibition invites you to follow the paths of children in the city. You may also leave an audio gift to a friend as part of Joel Karppanen’s media art piece.
10.00–13.30 Kotilo’s Art Workshops
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, training rooms Simpukka and Rapu, Saari’s fourth floor
What is Kotilo? What is it like? Join Kotilo’s workshops in training rooms Simpukka and Rapu next to Kotilo.
14.00–16.00 Talven värit Festival
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo, Saari’s fourth floor
Talven värit Festival is an event organized by Multicultural Centre Villa Victor and different language and culture communities that includes workshops and face-painting.