Urban Life  ─ photo exhibition of the changing Helsinki 1930─1956

The open-air exhibition tells of the changing Helsinki 1930─1956. Photojournalist Hugo Sundström follows the lives of city residents from decade to decade.

The open-air photographic exhibition describes a evolving Helsinki between 1930-1956. Buildings get torn down and others are built in their place. Neon lights are lit and illuminate an otherwise dark Helsinki. Trams ramble and people hurry about. The people of Helsinki are excitedly following the Finnis Grand Prix “Eläintarhanajot” races in the 1930’s and preparing for the Olympic Games in 1952. Sundström’s camera follows the townspeople’s life from one decade to the next.

The first hired photographer at Hufvudstadsbladet was Hugo Sundström, who got the job in 1928 – almost 100 years ago. Hugo Sundström (1907─1973) was HBL’s and the evening newspaper Svenska Pressen’s (later Nya Pressen) only press photographer until 1952. This means that almost all the most important news-events can be found among Sundström’s pictures. He also documented Helsinki until his passing in 1973.

The photography exhibition Urban Life ─ Stadsliv ─ Urban Life is a three-part exhibition that will be shown in Helsinki, Raseborg and Porvoo during the spring and summer of 2025. Each location will host a different exhibition. 

Lasipalatsi Square

27.5.-15.6.2025

Frede admission