Oodi - Helsinki Central Library
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Design Aesthetics | Helsinki's Oodi Central Library
Amelia Rodriguez
190
Visiting the Helsinki Central Library Oodi was an absolute pleasure! From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the modern architecture and open spaces of this modern, ship-shaped building. The ground floor is home to a lovely cafeteria with affordable food, which proved to be a great place for a relaxing break. The middle mezzanine is a hub of creativity and collaboration, equipped with an impressive range of facilities including 3D printers, laser engraving printers, ironing boards, sewing stations and much more. Adjacent are well-equipped music studios, Playstation dens and meeting rooms, all buzzing with people working on different projects - meeting, discussing, socialising and creating. The top floor is the icing on the cake - a large open space, beautifully laid out and well lit, housing an extensive collection of books. We spent relaxing hours exploring this level, admiring not only the books but also the phenomenal design and thoughtful arrangement of designated reading and contemplation areas with a wonderful variety of chairs, armchairs and sofas to curl up in and get lost in a book or other work. There was also a designated area for toddler play and plenty of space to park strollers. One small suggestion for improvement would be to expand the information about the building on the library's website. A more detailed exploration of the architecture, design themes and history of the competition for the building could enrich the experience for curious visitors like us. Despite this minor quibble, we left Oodi with a deep appreciation for this incredible public space that fosters creativity and community. The people of Helsinki can be proud to have such a wonderful resource at their doorstep. We are grateful for an unforgettable morning at Oodi and look forward to returning in the future. Hats off to the people of this vibrant city!
Tobias Hertel
00
A gorgeous building, modern, forward-thinking and offering spaces to develop one's creativity. Everyone is welcome. There are seats, free bathrooms, Wifi and materials for a small fee. Plus books, a cafe and an international vibe. The initial idea that everyone should hone and develop their creative skills is pioneering but the actual execution is not as inclusive as one may expect. For example, only Finns or those who live in Finland can book the services for 3D printing, music producing studio, and other facilities online. You need a Finnish bank account and ID otherwise it is not possible to book any of the services as a foreign visitor. Not even with a credit card. As a visitor, it is simply not possible and the website hasn't been updated so the information that "even visitors can use it" is inaccurate. I was lucky as I kindly send them an email ahead of my stay in Helsinki and one of the staff took pity and booked me in. But this was a one off. You can be luckily on the day but Oodi is popular and booking any of the services in advance is advisable. I personally don't like that the bathrooms are unisex, nor that literally everyone is allowed to enter the building. I've seen homeless people and worst, Heroin drug addicts roaming the place. They are low key aggressive, smell and make me feel uneasy. The seats are all dirty and I do not want to know who has sat in them before. The children's playground is another issue, whilst I have nothing against kids and understand children are part of society, I feel a playground is not appropriate in a library. Especially since it is near the study rooms and people require silence to focus. Whilst I understand and respect Finland's national value of equality, I feel Oodi is somewhat a strange concept given how Finns are also extremely introverted and not necessarily known for community/Geselligheit and collective sitting on top of one another and listening to each other's pretentious TED talks, when in a tram you'll break about 1000 rules of Finnish social etiquette when daring to occupy the seat next to an introverted Finn.
C S
00
Oodi, Helsinki’s Central Library, is a stunning architectural gem that has quickly become a cornerstone of the city. Opened in 2018, Oodi isn’t just a library; it’s a thriving community space that celebrates innovation, creativity, and inclusivity. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that Oodi was designed to be much more than a place for books—it’s a hub of knowledge and gathering that truly embodies the spirit of Finland. The structure itself is breathtaking, with its flowing wooden exterior and vast open spaces that invite natural light. The layout is brilliant, with dedicated spaces for different activities: there’s a vibrant children’s area, quiet reading zones, meeting rooms, and even creative spaces equipped with 3D printers, sewing machines, and soundproof studios for music and podcasts. It’s a library for all ages, with resources for anyone, from students to families, professionals, and tourists.
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
00
An amazing and beautiful library! It's a peaceful getaway right in the middle of the busy city centre. The library is very large, features lots of different facilities and has a peaceful, bright and modern atmosphere. It is definitely worth visiting, even if it's only to sit down for bit, admire the architecture and take in the friendly and peaceful atmosphere. The top floor most resembles a library in the classic sense with lots of books, places to relax and read, as well as a little cafe. It also has an outdoor terrace with views over the city and the parliament house. On the other floors you will find various facilities such as 3d printers, musical instruments, meeting rooms, game rooms, sewing machines, etc. as well as some quiet nooks and corners. The library is located at walking distance from the central station and is easily accessible.
Dylan Schell
00
Truly a one of a kind experience. This library is so much more than just a library. Of course the book selection and reading section is amazing, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. You can find board games, you can rent music instruments, rent an editing studio or recording studio, use 3D printers, laser cutters, try your luck at sowing or crafts, print giant posters and banners, or even play video games on the latest gen consoles (yes, PS5 too), or even PS VR. I have never seen such an amazing library before. I am just heartbroken that I can’t take advantage of most of this stuff because I am not a resident of Helsinki. But that doesn’t matter, you MUST go there, it is definitely an eye-opening experience. The atmosphere is amazing too, especially during the winter, the library becomes a hub for everyone.
Bogdan Bordei
00
Nearby Attractions Of Oodi - Helsinki Central Library
Senate Square
Temppeliaukion Church
Esplanadi
Helsinki Cathedral
Art Museum Ateneum
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Finnish Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Finland
Kaisaniemi Park
Amos Rex

Senate Square
4.5
(8.2K)
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Temppeliaukion Church
4.4
(5.8K)
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Esplanadi
4.5
(5.2K)
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Helsinki Cathedral
4.6
(5.3K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Oodi - Helsinki Central Library
Fazer Café Kluuvikatu
Vltava
Kappeli
Naughty Brgr Lönnrotinkatu
Restaurant Zetor
Woolshed Helsinki - Australian Gastropub
Ekberg 1852
Restaurant Caverna
Kaisla
Molly Malone's Irish Bar

Fazer Café Kluuvikatu
4.4
(2.5K)
Click for details

Vltava
4.0
(2.4K)
$$
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Kappeli
4.4
(2.1K)
$$$
Click for details

Naughty Brgr Lönnrotinkatu
4.3
(2K)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Map
Phone
+358 9 31085000
Call
Website
oodihelsinki.fi
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
entertainment
relaxation
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Senate Square, Temppeliaukion Church, Esplanadi, Helsinki Cathedral, Art Museum Ateneum, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Finnish Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of Finland, Kaisaniemi Park, Amos Rex, restaurants: Fazer Café Kluuvikatu, Vltava, Kappeli, Naughty Brgr Lönnrotinkatu, Restaurant Zetor, Woolshed Helsinki - Australian Gastropub, Ekberg 1852, Restaurant Caverna, Kaisla, Molly Malone's Irish Bar

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