The 72-meter height of the stadium tower corresponds exactly to the 72 meters achieved by Matti Järvinen in his 1932 Olympic gold-medal-winning javelin throw.
The stadium was originally completed in 1938 but its 1940 Olympic debut was canceled due to the outbreak of World War II.
The facade and tower are constructed primarily of reinforced concrete, finished with white-painted surfaces that became a signature of Nordic functionalism.
The stadium's renovation between 2016 and 2020 involved restoring over 19,000 square meters of concrete surfaces.
The stadium tower contains a small elevator and a staircase that offers a specific perspective of the surrounding Töölö district.
The Sports Museum located on-site holds the largest collection of sports-related artifacts in Finland, including Olympic torches and athlete memorabilia.
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is the site of the 1952 Summer Olympic Games and stands as a primary example of Finnish functionalist architecture. Designed by architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti, the structure is defined by its iconic white concrete facade and an adjacent 72-meter-high stadium tower. Following a comprehensive modernization project completed in 2020, the venue now serves as a multi-purpose arena for concerts and sporting events while housing the Sports Museum of Finland. Visitors can access the stadium tower to view the city skyline from an observation deck. The site includes a visitor center, a café, and facilities for hosting large-scale international gatherings. The track and field surfaces are preserved to maintain the historical integrity of the Olympic legacy.
From the observation deck at the top of the tower looking down toward the track and out across the Helsinki skyline.
Visit the tower observation deck on a clear day for an unobstructed view of the Helsinki cityscape.
Check the official website for event schedules, as the stadium may be restricted to the public during large concerts or sporting matches.
Wear comfortable footwear as the stadium area covers a significant footprint and includes multiple levels of stairs.
Attempting to enter the main arena field level during restricted event setups or private training sessions.
The tower may be closed during severe weather or major stadium events; check the official portal for daily accessibility status.