Christmas Luncheon | Hotel Haven
2025-12-10 11:30 - 14:00 (Europe/Helsinki) | Restaurant Haven, Hotel Haven, Eteläranta 16, Helsinki, 00130
Welcome to our Christmas Luncheon at the very elegant Hotel Haven!

Restaurant Haven is set in the beautiful Sundman building, the second oldest stone building in Helsinki. The dining room windows offer wonderful views over the Market Square and the harbour of Helsinki. The place radiates a warm and cozy charm ready for our joyful gathering.

We are very honored to have Xian Zhang, the extraordinary Chinese-American conductor, as our Christmas Luncheon speaker.

Zhang has been leading and performing with the world’s top-tier orchestras and is currently the Music Director of New Jersey Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and Conductor Emeritus of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano. Zhang is making her debut now at Finnish National Opera conducting Tosca, premiere in this November.

Zhang is woman of many “firsts”: the first woman to hold a titled conducting position with New York Philharmonic, the first woman to lead a major Italian symphony orchestra, and the first woman to hold a titled conducting position with a BBC orchestra as principal guest conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The New York Times described Zhang as “a dynamic podium presence”.

Zhang is looking forward to a lively conversation with us. She will start with a few introductory words, then open the floor for informal Q&A. Come for an unforgettable opportunity to meet Xian Zhang!

Programme

11:30 – Arrival, greets, and casual mingling. Sparkling wine will be served.

12:00 – 12:40 Speaker’s talk, and informal Q&A

12:45 – 14:00 Christmas Buffet

Details

Date & time: Wednesday 10th December, 11:30-14:00

Venue: Hotel Haven, Eteläranta 16, 00130 Helsinki

Capacity: 54 participants

Price: 40€

The Club has sponsored part of your costs.

Members only

Last day to register or cancel is Friday 5th, by 10am.

No shows and late cancellations will be invoiced.

Meet Xian Zhang

2025/26 marks the GRAMMY® and Emmy Award-winning conductor Xian Zhang’s tenth season as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Under her artistic leadership, NJ Symphony won two awards at the mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards in 2022 for their concert films, including “EMERGE”. As of 2025/26, she also becomes the Music Director of Seattle Symphony with whom she has been a long-term collaborator since her debut in 2008. Following her tenure as Music Director of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano between 2009-16, she continues as their Conductor Emeritus. As a guest conductor, Zhang appears regularly with Los Angeles Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. Her Deutsche Grammophon recording with the latter (Letters for The Future with Time for Three, released 2022) won GRAMMY® awards for Best Contemporary Classical Composition (Kevin Puts’ Contact) and Best Classical Instrumental Solo.

2025/26 highlights include returns to Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, St Louis Symphony, and National Arts Centre Ottawa. In Europe, she returns to Netherlands Radio Philharmonic with a performance at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and makes her debut at Finnish National Opera conducting Tosca. This follows her huge success at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she recently conducted Madama Butterfly (2023/24) and Tosca (2024/25) to great acclaim:

“The success of Kurzak’s performance was due in no small part to Xian Zhang’s sensitivity as a conductor. Zhang has an exceptional ear for balance, as well as the ability to draw the softest, most transparent tones imaginable from the orchestra. […] With such skills and obvious audience appeal, Zhang should prove a valuable addition to the Met’s conducting staff.” – New York Classical Review

Other recent highlights include subscription programmes with Boston Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo, Houston Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra, Montreal Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Orchestra of St Luke’s (including Brahms Requiem at Carnegie Hall), and Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse.

Zhang previously served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC orchestra. In 2002, she won first prize in the Maazel-Vilar Conductor’s Competition. She was appointed New York Philharmonic’s Assistant Conductor in 2002, subsequently becoming their Associate Conductor and the first holder of the Arturo Toscanini Chair.

Walk from Kaivopuisto to Punavuori
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a Walk and Coffee

Please join us on Thursday 8 January for a walk around the southern districts of Helsinki. Easy, flat walk around 5km (not circular but will always be close to public transport!). Meet at St Henry’s Catholic Cathedral – Kaivopuisto stop on Tram 3, or a short walk from Olympiatermial -Tram 2. We are heading to Punavuori for coffee.

Where: StHenry’s Cathedral, Pyhän Henrikin aukio 1 A, 00140 Helsinki

Difficulty level: easy

Deadline to register: 6/1/2026

Guest or members only: guests are welcome

Who is the organizer: Sarah Kolkman, sarah@iwch.fi

Early Birds' Morning Coffee
2026-01-09 08:15 - 09:30
Kick-start your day into the weekend by meeting eager ladies who all get better after some coffee! Come as you are and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the café and the buzz of the coffee machine and people in perfect harmony. Let’s see if we make this a regular event.

Where: Fratello Torrefazione on Yliopistokatu 6, opposite Helsinki Uni Metro station

Who: Members and friends welcome!

We all pay for our own order

Visit | The Miettinen Collection
2026-01-11 13:30 - 15:00 | The Kunsthalle, Nervanderinkatu 3,, Helsinki, 00100
We warmly invite you to an exclusive guided tour of the Miettinen Collection,

… to the exhibition I Will Look Into The Earth — with a special opportunity to meet the collector, Timo Miettinen, in person.

Images courtesy of The Kunsthalle

This visit offers a rare insight into one of Finland’s most remarkable private art collections. From Finnish classics to leading figures in international contemporary art, the exhibition showcases over 100 works by more than 50 artists. Themes of landscape, nature, and intimacy are woven throughout both historical and contemporary pieces.Curated by Linda Peitz and Florian Peters-Messer, the exhibition invites visitors on a profound journey into the essence of artistic expression and the dialogue between tradition and modernity.The Miettinen Collection currently comprises around 1,500 works. With curiosity and bold vision, Timo Miettinen continues to expand it, championing both established and emerging artists from Finland, Germany, and beyond. The tour will be conducted in English.Address: Taidehalli/ Kunsthalle, Nervanderinkatu 3, 00100 HelsinkiMembers are welcomeMaximum capacity of the event: 20 personsDeadline for sign-up: January 08, 2025, 10 am

January Luncheon | Lilla Roberts
2026-01-13 11:30 - 14:00 | The North Wing, Krog Roba @ Lilla Roberts, Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, Helsinki, 00130
Join us in the heart of Helsinki for the first luncheon of the year, where we will be joined by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Mrs. Deniz Çakar.

Programme

11:30 – 12:10 Speaker’s talk and Q&A, Meeting Room Selim

12:15 – 14:00 3-course meal, Cabinet ‘The North Wing‘, in restaurant Krog Roba

We are honoured to welcome the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Finland, Mrs. Deniz Çakar, as our luncheon speaker. Ambassador Çakar has 40 years extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations, and is delighted to share us her inspiring career journey and diplomatic experience.

Ambassador Deniz Çakar joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985 upon her graduation from Ankara University, Faculty of Political Sciences, Department of International Relations. She served at various levels at the Ministry’s Departments for Greece, NATO, Cultural Relations and Africa as well as at the Embassies of the Republic of Türkiye in Damascus, Athens, Singapore and Canberra.

After serving as the Republic of Türkiye’s Consul General in Antwerp between 2009-2013 and as Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia between 2013-2017, she assumed her duties as the Deputy Chairman of UNESCO Türkiye National Commission and also the Director General of Overseas Promotion and Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since September 1, 2022, Ambassador Çakar has been serving as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Finland.

Date & Time: Tuesday 13th January 2026, 11:30-14:00. (Please make sure to arrive in time. Speaker’s talk starts at 11:30.)

Venue: Hotel Lilla Roberts, Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, 00130 Helsinki

Capacity: 40 participants

Price: 31,50€

Members and guests are welcome

Last day to register or cancel is Friday 9th, by 10am.

No shows and late cancellations will be invoiced.

Visit City Hall, with Deputy Mayor Maarit Vierunen
2026-01-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Helsinki City Hall, Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13,, Helsinki, 00170
The Deputy Mayor of Helsinki for Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services, Maarit Vierunen will be hosting a visit to Helsinki City Hall.

Image courtesy of The City of Helsinki

Besides having a tour in the City Hall we will discuss Helsinki’s social, health and rescue policy and other topics that are recent in Helsinki.

Private Tour of the Newly Renovated Mannerheim Museum
2026-01-20 10:50 - 12:00 | Mannerheim Museum, Kalliolinnantie 14, Helsinki, 00140
The Mannerheim Museum has undergone extensive renovations, restoring Mannerheim’s home with respect for its history.

Please join us for a private tour of this former home of Mannerheim. The tour will help us to understand the history of Mannerheim and Finland, interpreting history from a new perspective.

What – often contradictory – roles and phases did Mannerheim’s life involve, and what can we learn from them? What does patriotism look like in the future? How can we foster civilisation and social peace in an increasingly divided world?

During the week, the museum is only available to visit by private tour and, therefore, the Museum Card is not accepted. We are offering this tour to members at a subsidised price of €25 per person.

Photo reproduced from Mannerheim Museum collection, photographer Toivo Robert Tikkanen, 1924

We recommend using public transport. From the centre of Helsinki you can take tram number 3 or 2. The nearest tram stop is the Kaivopuisto stop on Tehtaankatu.

The museum does not have its own parking area, but there are a few street parking spaces in front of the museum and on Itäinen Puistotie, some of which are chargeable.

Visit | Folkhälsan Research Center, with Professor Lehesjoki
2026-01-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Biomedicum, Meilahti Hospital Campus, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00290
Visit to Folkhälsan Research Center (FRC) at Biomedicum Helsinki, responsible for Folkhälsan´s research activities. FRC is an internationally renowed unit with focus on biomedical and health research within programs on genetics and public health.

Professor Lehesjoki will introduce us to the existing research world.

Professor Anna-Elina Lehesjoki, Image Courtesy of Folkhälsan Research Center

Anna-Elina Lehesjoki is Professor of Medical Genetics at the Medical Faculty of the University of Helsinki and has served as Research Director at the Folkhälsan Research Center since 2019.

She leads the Genetics Research Program of the Center, based in Biomedicum Helsinki. Professor Lehesjoki’s research has focused on investigating the molecular basis of several rare human diseases, with focus on epilepsy syndromes. Professor Lehesjoki is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) since 2000. She is a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters and of the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters.

Welcome & Please make sure to arrive in time. The event starts at 16:00.

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Inside the Arts | Janne Räisänen @ Helsinki Contemporary
2026-01-21 17:00 - 18:00 | Helsinki Contemporary, Bulevardi 10, Helsinki
Join Inside the Arts in visiting Helsinki Contemporary for:

Janne Räisänen’s fourth solo exhibition at Helsinki Contemporary presents a new body of work in which the private and public, the low and the high, collide joyfully on the canvas through uninhibited brushwork and exuberant storytelling. Constructivism Begins at Home marks the Berlin-based artist’s first solo show in Finland in more than four years. His paintings are veritable surprise parties of visual and linguistic play.

The artist opens up his thoughts in a free-form private event.

Self Portrait as a Capricorn in Tiergarten, Janne Räisänen Photographer: Eric Tshernow

Photo: Jonas Tölle

About the Artist

Räisänen is a Berlin-based Finnish painter known for his raw, playful works that blend drawing and painting through humour, absurdity, and bold storytelling. His latest exhibition, Constructivism Begins at Home, brings together the private and the public, the low and the high, in exuberant, layered compositions filled with irony, wordplay, and visual surprises.

Gallen-Kallela, Klimt & Wien at the Ateneum
2026-01-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Ataneum Art Museum, Kaivokatu 2, Helsinki, 00100
The exhibition Gallen-Kallela, Klimt & Wien explores how Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s art developed in interaction with international modernists, such as Gustav Klimt and Koloman Moser. The Vienna Secession movement, which was founded under the direction of Klimt and which set out to reform art, was united by an interest in developing new artistic identities, promoting a modern way of life, and creating large public works of art. The exhibition brings Gustav Klimt’s paintings to Finland for the first time. In addition to visual art, the exhibition features photography and design, including everyday objects, jewellery and fashion.

We will have an exhibition intro. An expert guide will introduce us to the themes and main artworks in the Gallen-Kallela, Klimt & Wien exhibition, with the help of a rich visual presentation, in the Ateneum Hall. After this we are free to explore the exhibition at our own pace. The intro lasts half an hour.

Please note that several groups attend the exhibition intro.

Photo: Kansallisgalleria | Finnish National Gallery / Aleks Talve

Entry price : €22 or free with Museum Card. The Club sponsors the introduction to the exhibition.

Walk around Töölö, followed by Coffee
2026-02-03 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a Walk and Coffee

Please join us on Wednesday 3 February for a walk around Töölö. Easy, relatively flat walk around 5km. Meet at front of Mamma Rosa Restaurant, Runeberginkatu. We will do a circle and return to Töölöntori for coffee.

Where: Mamma Rosa Restaurant, Runeberginkatu

Difficulty level: easy

Deadline to register: 2/2/2026

Guest or members only: guests are welcome

Early Birds' Morning Coffee
2026-02-06 08:15 - 09:30
Kick start your day into the weekend by meeting eager ladies who all get better after some coffee!

Come as you are and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the café and the buzz of the coffee machine and people in perfect harmony. Welcome!

Where? Fratello Torrefazione, Yliopistokatu 6, opposite Helsinki Uni Metro Station

February Luncheon | Lilla Roberts
2026-02-10 11:30 - 14:00 | The North Wing, Krog Roba @ Lilla Roberts, Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, Helsinki, 00130
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jenni Rotonen (Jenni Pupulandia), one of Finland’s earliest and most pioneered social media influencers!

Programme

11:30 – 12:10 Speaker’s talk and Q&A, Meeting Room Selim

12:15 – 14:00 3-course meal, Cabinet ‘The North Wing‘, in restaurant Krog Roba

Known for her blog Pupulandia started in 2007, Jenni brings a fresh perspective on fashion, style, sustainability and conscious living. She is also the co-host of the Afterwork Podcast, launched in 2017, a weekly “therapy session with friends” that blends humour with heartfelt conversations on e.g. personal growth and societal challenges.

Beyond content, Jenni has been a creative collaborator with brands such as Stockmann (the largest department store in the Nordic countries), on the A+More by Pupulandia accessory collection.

Jenni was named Sustainability Influencer of the Year 2024 at Finland’s Tubecon Awards. She is also a mental health advocate, addressing especially loneliness and burnout.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Jenni’s social media career path, entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion, and beyond!

Date & Time: Tuesday 10th February 2026, 11:30-14:00. (Please make sure to arrive in time. Speaker’s talk starts at 11:30.)

Venue: Hotel Lilla Roberts, Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, 00130 Helsinki

Capacity: 40 participants

Price: 31,50€

Members and guests are welcome

Last day to register or cancel is Friday February 6th, by 10am.

No shows and late cancellations will be invoiced.

Inside the Arts | Arno Westerberg
2026-02-11 17:00 - 18:00 | Savio Artist Community, Klondyke -talo, Kumitehtaankatu 5B, Kerava
Join Inside the Arts for an intimate evening in the studio of Finnish-Dutch artist Arno Westerberg, where we will have the special opportunity to meet the artist himself, hear about his work as an artist, and engage in an open dialogue together.

In addition to this, Arno’s studio is part of Savion taiteilijayhteisö (Savio artist community), an independent and diverse community of working artists, which we will get a chance to have a look at, as guided by the artist.

Organisers: Tanja Vuorela and Sofia Salmenhaara, sofia@iwch.fi

Inside the Arts is a recurring event series organised by IWCH members Tanja Vuorela and Sofia Salmenhaara (Board Member, Online Communications), which aims to bring together local contemporary artists and art lovers. In this event series, artists open their private studios to us, and engage in an open dialogue. These are unique chances to dive into the work and oeuvre of artists, and we warmly welcome you to join us.

The visits are arranged primarily on weekdays, from 17-18 – although good conversation often leads to us sticking around a little longer.

Sip and Paint
2026-02-14 16:00 - 20:00 | Nina’s Studio, Lämmitäjänkatu 2,, Helsinki, 00590
Everyone is creative – you are welcome just as you are, with an open mind and ready to get your hands on some paint – or was it the other way around…?

Join me, IWCH member Nina Leppälä, for a relaxed ‘Sip & Paint’ evening, where we get into experimenting with colours – along with enjoying each others’ company and maybe discovering something new about yourselves.

No previous painting experience necessary.

Cost (material and drinks): 25 EUR

The location will be at Nina’s studio in Herttoniemi, Lämmitäjänkatu 2, 00590 Helsinki.

It can we reached by bus 500 to Asentajanpuisto, or metro to Herttoniemi and a 10 min walk.

For those who want to come by car (and thus decide to miss out on the ‘sipping wine’ part) there is a parking lot in front of the building as well as street parking.

Visit | Villa Weckström
2026-02-24 15:00 - 16:30
Villa Weckström is pleased to invite the members of IWCH to the home and art gallery of professor, sculptor and jewellery designer Björn Weckström on 24.2.2026 at 15:00.

“Björn Weckström is known for many of the first Star Wars film, where in the final scene, Princess Leia wears a necklace and bracelet that Weckström designed. Weckström’s scuptures have been exhibited in several European museums. He has also several public commissions in Helsinki, including the Whistling Helsinkian on Iso Roobertinkatu.”

Find more information about the artist https://www.bjornweckstrom.com or https://www.bjornweckstrom.net

“On a tour of the house on the shores of the Baltic Sea, the artist travels through his career from a world-renowned jewellery designer to a sculptor who interprets ancient mythologies to contemporary themes, such as genetic engineering, information and disinformation, our relationship with machines.”

Practical information:

Time: Tuesday 24.2.2026 at 15:00 – max 16.30

Place: Villa Weckström, Vähänlahdentie 10a, 02360 Espoo (in Soukanniemi)

Cost: 25 €

Parking: we have a parking area, but due to winter conditions we encourage to consider co-driving

Visit | Folkhälsan
2026-02-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Topeliuksenkatu 20, Helsinki, Topeliuksenkatu 20, Helsinki
Folkhälsan, the largest Swedish-speaking NGO in Finland, works to enable better health and quality of life.

We will hear from from CEO Anna Hellerstedt, who will speak on the topic of “Folkhälsan yesterday, today and tomorrow”.

And we will meet three other committed leaders:

CEO Anna Litonius, Folkhälsan Välfärd

Director Malin von Koskull, Folkhälsan Foundation

Kira Exell-Pakki Unit Manager, Housing & Social Services Folkhälsan Välfärd

Guests:

Minimum 15, Maximum 25

Members and their guests are welcome! Feel free to invite a friend along, and remember to RSVP on their behalf

More about Folkhälsan:

Folkhälsan is the largest Swedish-speaking organization in Finland that works for better health and quality of life. Folkhälsan is both a service producer and expert organization, as well as a citizen movement.

Folkhälsan’s operations in Finland and on the Åland Islands include daycare centers, support for young people, education, services for the elderly and people with disabilities, as well as a world-class research center.

Folkhälsan’s vision, values, and strategy guide the organisation in daily work towards a healthy and meaningful life for all. With the vision ‘Pioneers in health and wellbeing’ and the core values of competence, commitment, and courage as the foundation, Folkhälsan drive sustainable development and meet the needs of society—today and in the future.

Visit | Finnish Fashion Brands: Gemmi, éN Hats, and ViaMinnet
2026-02-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Gemmi Store, Kämp Galleria, Kluuvikatu 4
Join us for a networking event with sparkling refreshments and light bites, as we explore global trends shaping the Finnish fashion industry.

Discover three distinctive brands — Gemmi, éN Hats, and ViaMinnet— each offering handmade products created in Finland. Together, they represent elegant, timeless, and contemporary design in a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion.

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Artistic afternoon at the Embassy of Slovakia
2026-03-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Embassy of Slovakia, Vähäniityntie 5, Helsinki, 00570
We will see two exhibitions at the Embassy of Slovakia.

Light and layers – abstract paitings by Slovak artist Kati Zemková; and

Magical Slovakia – a photographic exhibition by Slovak photographer Laco Struhár)

This will be accompanied by an introduction of the unique Slovak folk musical instrument Fujara (fipple flute). The event is a part of “Days of Slovak Culture in Finland” (January – March 2026).

The embassy will be serving a small buffet.This event will be hosted by our member, Adriana Kristofikova, wife of the Ambassader of Slovakia.

Please bring ID. If you need to cancel, please advise the organiser, Sarah at sarah@iwch.fi

Joint Exhibition by Nanna Susi and Pekka Ala-Pietilä at Meilahti Art Hall
2026-03-05 11:15 - 12:30 | Meilahden Art Hall, Tamminiementie 6, Helsinki, 00250
We will visit the joint exhibition of the works of Nanna Susi and Pekka Ala-Pietilä. Their works complement each other: central to both of their work is the exploration of the human experience of ever-changing time and space, as well as the layered nature of the works, which creates opportunities for multifaceted interpretation.

Visual artist Nanna Susi paints large-scale, colorful oil paintings. She is one of Finland’s most successful painters. Susi’s art has been interpreted through different styles, especially expressionism and colorism. Susi has held dozens of private art museum exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions around the world.

Business director Pekka Ala-Pietilä, who has spent much of his career in technology companies, is also a photographer whose photographs have won awards in several international competitions.

Pekka Ala-Pietilä will join us to guide us through the exhibition. Please arrive by 11:15, and pay entrance fee for commencement of visit at 11:30. No museum card.

Visit│OP Group
2026-03-06 13:30 - 15:30 | arkadiankatu 23, 00100 Helsinki
Join us for a special visit to OP Group!

OP Group (OP Pohjola) is Finland’s largest financial services group, having over two million owner‑customers with a full range of services in banking, insurance, and wealth management.

We will visit two companies: OP bank and Pohjola insurance. During the session, you will:

learn about the structure of OP cooperative banks

get general information about OP Uusimaa

gain insights into the OP team dedicated to international customers and the services for personal customers, including Pohjola Insurance, and

have the opportunity to learn the new services for first of all foreigners

The event will be hosted by specialists from OP Uusimaa. Looking forward to welcoming you!

Entry & coffee: 13:30–14:00; Session duration: 14:00-15:30

Maximum capacity: 20 participants

OP Group is Finland’s largest financial services group, serving over two million owner‑customers nationwide through extensive local network.

Address: Arkadiankatu 23 (inner courtyard, Building H, yellow door, 2nd floor), Helsinki

Salutorget | March Luncheon
2026-03-10 11:30 - 14:00 | Salutorget, Pohjoisesplanadi 15, 00170, Helsinki
March luncheon at the beautiful Restaurant Salutorget in the heart of historic Helsinki! Our luncheon will be at the Havis Amanda Cabinet with a view to Pohjoisesplanadi.

We are delighted to welcome the distinguished Finnish actress Sari Puumalainen as our guest speaker.

Puumalainen is known for her diverse and enduring career across Finnish theatre, film, and television. She joined the Finnish National Theatre in 1995 and has been a core actress of the prestigious institution ever since, appearing in more than 50 stage roles in both classical and contemporary productions. Beyond her theatre work, Puumalainen has brought memorable characters to life in films such as Insiders (1989), Palava rakkaus (1997), Hylätyt talot, autiot pihat (2000), Vares – Uhkapelimerkki (2012), ranging from drama to crime thrillers. She is also a familiar face in Finnish households, having performed in beloved TV series include Kotikatu (1997–2012), Parhaat vuodet (2000–2002), Tukka auki (2008), Syke (2019), and Munkkivuori (2022).

Come to listen Sari Puumalainen’s 30 years versatile stories and experiences in performing arts!

Schedule: 11:30-12:10, speaker’s session; 12:15-14:00, 3-course meal

Venue: Restaurant Salutorget, Pohjoisesplanadi 15, 00170 Helsinki

Capacity: 35 participants

Registration open till: Friday March 6th, 10am

No shows and late cancellations (after the deadline) will be invoiced.

To cancel: please contact the event organizer Irina Enomaa (irina@iwch.fi), latest Friday March 6th, 10am.

Jasmin Santanen Fashion Show
2026-03-11 17:30 - 19:30
You are warmly welcome to enjoy our own Club models dressed in Jasmin’s couture garments all made by her Finnish seamstress in Helsinki.

Jasmin has had her couture fashion brand for 20 years in Paris, which is the source of her inspiration, skillset and fabrics chosen. We meet in Yvonne Westerlund’s home in Katajanokka where Jasmin herself is present, of course. More details upon signing up. Some bubbly and refreshments will be served.

20 people max and friends are welcome!

Signup by Friday 6.3

Visit to Stora Enso
2026-03-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Stora Enso, Katajanokanlaituri 4, Helsinki, 00160
A warm welcome to visit Stora Enso, a global leader in renewable materials with a strong focus on packaging.

A brief introduction to Stora Enso and how we replace non-renewable materials with renewable solutions followed by an exclusive guided tour of our iconic headquarters.

Coffee, tea, and other refreshments will be available.

Early Birds' Morning Coffee
2026-03-13 08:15 - 09:15, 2026-04-17 08:15 - 09:15
Kick start your day into the weekend by meeting eager ladies who all get better after some coffee!

Come as you are and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the café, the buzz of the coffee machine and people in perfect harmony. Welcome!

Where? Fratello Torrefazione, Yliopistonkatu 6, opposite Helsinki Uni Metro Station

Escape to Moominvalley at the Architecture & Design Museum
2026-03-18 11:00 - 11:45 | Architecture & Design Museum, Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Helsinki, 00100, Finland
Join us for a guided tour of this delightful exhibition at the Architecture & Design Museum

Escape to Moominvalley: Reflecting Reality Through Tove Jansson’s Imaginary World

The exhibition takes a fresh look at the connections between Jansson, the Moomins, architecture, and design. The journey begins with places and landscapes close to Jansson’s heart, before leading visitors into the imaginative spaces of Moominvalley. The exhibition reveals how places central to Jansson’s life, such as her Helsinki Atelier home and the remote summer island Klovharun, shaped her creative world. Through archived materials, personal objects, and photographs, visitors can step into these spaces and experience Jansson’s persona.

At the heart of the exhibition lies a reimagined Moominvalley where the stories’ environments are viewed through the perspectives of their inhabitants. What does “shared space” encompass in the context of the Moomin family’s bath house, a building ultimately claimed by Too-Ticky and the invisible shrews during the winter?

Ladies Night | Robusto
2026-03-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Restaurant Robusto, Docksgatan 7, Helsinki, 00150
Join us for a very special ladies night, at the atmospheric restaurant Robusto – a cosy à la carte restaurant located in the Merikortteli district of Punavuori.

We have the pleasure of being welcomed by Robusto owner and Masterchef Judge Kape Aihinen, who will join us at the bar.

We will converse with Kape about entrepreneurship, wellbeing at work, and leadership. After which, we will enjoy healthy food, made with Finnish flavor and ingredients, in the form of a three course dinner and a welcome drink (total 65€).

Gather with us for an afterwork with us to catch up, laugh, and enjoy. We look forward to seeing you there.

p.s. This event is open to guests – have a friend you think would fit right into IWCH? Invite them along, and remember to RSVP of their behalf below!

Last day to cancel 16.03. (email monica@iwch.fi), cancellations after 16.03. will be charged 65€.

Inside the Arts | Jasmin Anoschkin
2026-03-26 17:00 - 18:00 | Arabia Art Department, Hämeentie 135A, Helsinki, 00560
Join Inside the Arts for an intimate evening in the studio of Finnish scupltor Jasmin Anoschkin, where we will have the special opportunity to meet the artist herself, hear about her practice as an artist, and engage in open dialogue together.

We welcome you to join us in this unique look into the private studio of Anoschkin; situated in the Arabia Art Department.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Jasmin Anoschkin (b. 1980, Pori, Finland)

Sculptor, Graduated from The Academy of Fine Arts in 2004

“Jasmin’s work continuously alludes to pop culture, sometimes making references to the Western toy industry, or presenting dunkheap ladies who, by carrying their precious loads, have become landfill themselves.Each of these has a story to tell – although they look amusing at first glance, they reveal much about the world around us.” – Elise Simonsson, Executive director / Arabia Art Department Society

Inside the Arts is a recurring event series organised by IWCH members Tanja Vuorela and Sofia Salmenhaara (Board Member, Online Communications), which aims to bring together local contemporary artists and art lovers. In this event series, artists open their private studios to us, and engage in an open dialogue. These are unique chances to dive into the work and oeuvre of artists, and we warmly welcome you to join us.

The visits are arranged primarily on weekdays, from 17-18 – although good conversation often leads to us sticking around a little longer.

Walk & Coffee
2026-04-15 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a Walk and Coffee

Please join us on Wednesday 15 April for a walk around Lauttasaari. Fairly easy, flat walk around 5km. Meet outside Koivusaari Metro Station. We are heading around the north of the island.

Photo credit : Seiya Maeda

Where: Koivusaari Metro Station

If coming by car, I recommend to park at Lauttasaari Metro and take metro one stop further to Koivusaari. We will end the walk near Lauttasaari station

Difficulty level: fairly easy

Deadline to register: 14/4/2026

Guest or members only: guests are welcome

Who is the organizer: Sarah Kolkman, sarah@iwch.fi
