The next Night of Science will take place in Helsinki on 21 January 2027. The Night of Science programme at the House of Science and Letters (Tieteiden talo) is taking on a new form as Night School at the House of Science and Letters, welcoming science enthusiasts of all ages back to the classroom.

For many Night of Science visitors, the House of Science and Letters is a familiar venue. For one evening, the building will return to its original purpose as a school. There will be no real exams or grades – just the joy of discovery, long breaks between lessons and a touch of nostalgic school atmosphere.

Produced by the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies (TSV), the Night School programme is created in collaboration with Finnish learned societies. Representing a broad range of academic disciplines, the societies will offer both timely and timeless science through lessons, quizzes and activities during the breaks.

During subject lessons, visitors can attend talks and take part in workshops in the historic classrooms of the House of Science and Letters. The Lisa Hagman Hall will be transformed into the Night School's examination hall, where visitors can test their knowledge in science-themed quizzes throughout the evening. During the breaks, visitors can enjoy the break-time programme organised by the learned societies and learn more about their activities in the corridors of the House of Science and Letters.

The House of Science and Letters served as a school for more than 60 years

The main building of the House of Science and Letters was built as a school in 1925 and remained in educational use for more than 60 years.

During its first decade, the building was first home to school called Yksityisluokat (English: Private Classes), founded by educator Lisa Hagman, who commissioned the building, and later to Helsingin V yhtenäiskoulu (English: the Fifth Helsinki Comprehensive School). The building served for the longest period as Helsingin tyttölukio (English: Helsinki Girls' Lyceum, 1936–1973), after which it was used by the University of Helsinki.

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In the 1990s, the building was transferred to the learned societies, gaining its current name and purpose. Today, the House of Science and Letters serves as a meeting and event venue for learned societies and is an important gathering place for researchers and everyone interested in science.

The House of Science and Letters has been part of the Night of Science since the event began. It is the largest single venue of the Night of Science, attracting hundreds of visitors every year to enjoy an evening of science.

The Night School programme will be published as part of the full Night of Science programme in October 2026.

• Learn more about the history of the House of Science and Letters on its website (in Finnish)
• Are you a learned society? Read the news article on the TSV website to find out how you can propose a programme for Night School at the House of Science and Letters. (In Finnish)

Main image: Anne Haapanen