The Pool Grand Opening on May 18, 2024

Aika 18.05.2024
18.05.2024

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

We welcome you to enjoy the Grand Opening of The Pool exhibition. Meet the artists, enjoy Finnish rap music, skateboard in the Ruusupuisto Slappy Plaza and participate in the diverse program of the opening day!

The Pool exhibition offers a fantastic overview of the subcultures of skateboarding and Finnish rap. The Pool opens on Saturday, May 18th, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Please note that there is an admission fee for the exhibitions, and some of the opening day activities will take place in the exhibition spaces.

Opening Programme

1.00 p.m. Opening words by Heidi Länsisalmi and Ossi Valpio

1.15 –2.00 p.m. Arto Saari: Artist Meet and Greet • 4th Floor Art Hall

2.00 – 3.00 p.m. Rap Performances: Are & Kriso, Joniveli, Soul Valpio + possible surprise guests

3.00 – 4.00 p.m. Lizzie Armanto: Meet and Greet

From 5.00 p.m. Open Skate Sessions for Everyone
• Ruusupuisto

Read more about the opening programme below.

Concrete Currents – Photographs by Arto Saari

Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Arto Saari’s stunning photographs exploring the subculture of skateboarding in the fourth-floor art hall, where they also have the opportunity to engage in discussions with the artist about the artworks, skateboarding, or skateboarding as a subculture.

Arto Saari Meet & Greet at 1.15 p.m. on the 4th floor Art Hall.

”It has been amazing to see how Alvar Aalto’s design has broken down barriers and created a new living organism. I don’t know what Alvar’s goals were when he designed the swimming pool at Villa Mairea, but ultimately it became much more than just a swimming pool.” – Arto Saari

The Capital – Samples of Jyväskylä Rap

Aalto2 will be filled with Finnish rap at 2 p.m. when Are & Kriso, Joniveli, and Soul Valpio take over. There may also be surprise performers, so be sure to mark the opening in your calendar now. The Capital City exhibition, delving into Central Finnish rap and hip hop culture, opens in the Temporary Exhibition space on the first floor.

Are & Kriso, Joniveli, Soul Valpio, at 2-3 p.m.

”Promoting gender equality and anti-racism, which are strongly associated with Hip Hop culture, are important aspects of our exhibition content.” – Ossi Valpio / Soul Valpio

Lizzie Armanto: Colors

During the opening event, Aalto2 is organizing a Meet & Greet session with Lizzie Armanto. Lizzie will share insights about skateboarding through her own skateboarding videos and answer questions from the audience.

Lizzie Armanto’s Meet & Greet starts at 3 p.m.

“Skateboarding is so special because anyone from any background can be a part of it. I’m excited to share that with the Finnish people and hopefully inspire some more people to get on board.” – Lizzie Armanto

Let’s Skate – Be part of The Pool Exhibition!

Lizzie Armanto, Arto Saari and you – Aalto2 challenges you to be part of The Pool exhibition!

Take a skateboarding-themed photo or use one you’ve already taken. Send your photo to the museum and participate in the most exciting exhibition of the summer! Photos will be featured as part of the exhibition throughout the summer.

Jump on your board and join the open skate sessions

On the opening day, at Ruusupuisto’s “Slappy Plaza,” there will be open skate sessions starting at 5 p.m. During the exhibition, a skateable “Slappy Plaza” installation will be created in the Ruusupuisto from Crazy Roadwalls slappy curbs. Inspired by the shapes of pool decks, the Ruusupuisto Slappy Plaza mimics the profile of skateboarding-designed pools with three different curved forms.

There will be free skating sessions and relaxed best trick competitions, with prizes for the best performers!