International Women's Club of Helsinki

Tour of the Parliament House and Lunch
2025-09-19 11:00 - 13:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | Parliament Building, Visitor's Entrance, Mannerheimintie 30,, Helsinki
Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of the iconic Finnish Parliament House, followed by lunch and socialising at the beautiful Musiikkitalo just nearby. If we’re lucky, we might get a private moment with former Minister of Education Sari Sarkomaa after the tour, where we will get a chance to hear about her experiences and thoughts.

Attendees will receive an email with instructions regarding arrival procedure. We hope to see you there!

In the 1920s, Finland set out to build a new home for its Parliament. After a lively competition in 1923, Arkadianmäki was chosen as the perfect spot. The following year, an architectural contest crowned the design Oratoribus (“for the speakers”) as the winner, created by Johan Sigfrid Sirén and his team. The grand Parliament House rose between 1926–1931 and opened its doors in March 1931. Ever since, it has stood as the stage for some of Finland’s most important political moments — especially during the wartime years.

Join us as we step inside this iconic building and experience the history ourselves!

To cancel, email Irina Enomaa Wednesday September 17th at the latest.

Visit to MINNAMINNA Flagship Store
2025-09-22 10:00 - 11:00 | MINNA MINNA Flagship Store, Pohjoisesplandi 35, Helsinki
Visit the flagship store of iconic Helsinki-based designer Minna Parikka’s new shoe label, MINNAMINNA.

In this exclusive event, we will hear the story of MINNAMINNA from Minna Parikka herself, who will also join us in continuing the conversation over coffees at the classic Cafe Esplanad.

If that isn’t exciting enough, Minna has offered attendees of this event a 20% discount on purchases.

All MINNA MINNA shoes are made from 99% natural and recycled materials. MINNA MINNA`s natural robber soles with pearls are inspired by conservative pearl laces and street-worthy classics. The result is a really comfortable and modern shoe collection that can withstand the changes of the season.

To cancel: email Monica Niemi latest Friday September 19th.

Stillness and Me-Time: Simple Ways to Feel More at Ease
2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Pauliina’s Home – Eira, Helsinki (Exact address to be shared to attendees)
Learn simple mindfulness and meditation techniques designed to bring ease, insight, and a deeper sense of presence into everyday life.

We will gather in the calm of club member Pauliina Salmenhaara’s living room and discover soul-nourishing ways to slow down and reconnect with yourself. This four-session series is a gentle invitation to make room for stillness, clarity, and meaningful me-time in everyday life. Each evening includes guided meditation, nourishing reflection, and grounding practices to feel more present and in tune with yourself.

No experience needed, just a curious heart and the desire to feel more grounded and calm.

Pauliina was introduced to meditation almost 30 years ago, and she has been hosting mediation and mindfulness events since 2010. She has seen the great benefit, both personally and professionally, from very simple breathing and other techniques, which are especially helpful during times of stress and anxiety, when the mind and heart become overwhelmed.

Meditation and mindfulness are integral to her work as a holistic practitioner, vegan chef, and host of women’ s circles, and she hopes to spread some of this joy and love with IWCH members as well.

Please feel at ease to email her with any questions regarding Stillness and Me-Time at chat@rawio.asia.

Visit to Helsinki English Montessori Playschool
2025-09-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Helsinki English Montessori Playschool, Lapinlahdenkatu 3A, Helsinki, 00100
We warmly welcome you to visit Helsinki English Montessori Playschool to learn more about our activities, educational approach, and facilities.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the principles of Montessori pedagogy and how they are applied in our English-speaking learning environment to support each child’s individual development.

CEO Niina Mantere will present the operations, followed by Director Päivi Kuutsa’s introduction of the Montessori pedagogy.

RSVP below. To cancel, please email Olena Podoleva by September 22nd at the latest.

Batik Workshop | The Embassy of Indonesia
2025-10-07 14:00 - 18:00 | The Embassy of Indonesia, Kuusisaarentie 3, Helsinki, 00340
Come to experience the beauty of Indonesian Batik! Discover the UNESCO-recognized heritage of Indonesian Batik which embodies centuries of tradition. You will learn the hand-dyeing techniques, explore the symbolism behind each motif, and create your own masterpiece to take home!

Duration of the event is 3-4 hours, including time for socializing at the end.

Refreshments will be served, courtesy of our hosts.

If you must cancel: be in touch with Irina Enomaa (irina@iwch.fi), latest Friday 3rd of October.

When the event is full, a link will appear below, allowing members to sign up to the waitlist. If or when a spot opens up, members on waitlist will be contacted.

Walk & Coffee - Lauttasaari
2025-10-08 10:00 - 12:00
Walk & Coffee

Join us for a Walk and Coffee

Please join us on Wednesday 8 October for a walk around Lauttasaari. Easy, flat walk around 5km. Meet at Lauttasaari Metro Station – Gyldenintie entrance.

Where: Lauttasaari Metro Station

Difficulty level: easy

Deadline to register: 7/10/2025

Guest or members only: guests are welcome

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

Stillness and Me-Time: Hearing Your Inner Voice and Trusting Your Intuition
2025-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Pauliina’s Home – Eira, Helsinki (Exact address to be shared to attendees)
Learn simple mindfulness and meditation techniques designed to bring ease, insight, and a deeper sense of presence into everyday life.

We will gather in the calm of club member Pauliina Salmenhaara’s living room and discover soul-nourishing ways to slow down and reconnect with yourself. This four-session series is a gentle invitation to make room for stillness, clarity, and meaningful me-time in everyday life. Each evening includes guided meditation, nourishing reflection, and grounding practices to feel more present and in tune with yourself.

No experience needed, just a curious heart and the desire to feel more grounded and calm.

Pauliina was introduced to meditation almost 30 years ago, and she has been hosting mediation and mindfulness events since 2010. She has seen the great benefit, both personally and professionally, from very simple breathing and other techniques, which are especially helpful during times of stress and anxiety, when the mind and heart become overwhelmed.

Meditation and mindfulness are integral to her work as a holistic practitioner, vegan chef, and host of women’ s circles, and she hopes to spread some of this joy and love with IWCH members as well.

Please feel at ease to email her with any questions regarding Stillness and Me-Time at chat@rawio.asia.

If you must cancel: be in touch with Pauliina Salmenhaara (chat@rawio.asia), latest Monday 6th of October.

When the event is full, a link will appear below, allowing members to sign up to the waitlist. If or when a spot opens up, members on waitlist will be contacted.

Exhibition Visit | 'Let’s Save Töölönlahti!'
2025-10-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13, Door M4
We warmly welcome you to a special event – Let’s Save Töölönlahti! – dedicated to protecting one of Helsinki’s most cherished natural areas. This is one of two events we are attending in the beautiful Finlandia Hall this month!

Our host Pertti Salolainen CBE – Minister, Ambassador, and Nature Photographer – will share his personal reflections and experiences on the importance of nature conservation and why Töölönlahti must be safeguarded.

This event is open to our members and their guests. Please RSVP on behalf of possible guest(s). We look forward to seeing you there!

Our host Pertti Salolainen CBE, Minister, Ambassador, and Nature Photographer

‘Coot and Chick’, Pertti Salolainen

Finlandia Hall

If you must cancel: be in touch with Sarah Kolkman (sarah@iwch.fi), latest Friday 10th of October.

When the event is full, a link will appear below, allowing members to sign up to the waitlist. If or when a spot opens up, members on waitlist will be contacted.

Salutorget | October Luncheon
2025-10-14 12:00 - 14:30 | Salutorget, Pohjoisesplanadi 15, 00170, Helsinki
Join us for a luncheon at a very central venue. Salutorget is a stunningly beautiful restaurant in the heart of historic Helsinki.

Our luncheon will be at the Havis Amanda Cabinet with a view to Pohjoisesplanadi. This event is fully booked but subscribe to the waiting list and we will be in touch if we have a spot for you!

We have the honor of hosting our luncheon speaker, Jarno Ralli Ph.D., who will share his view on the question ‘What Is Generative AI, Really?’.

Schedule : 12:00-14:30 Luncheon, €42

Venue: Salutorget, Pohjoisesplanadi 15, 00170 Helsinki

Capacity: 35 participants

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

What Is Generative AI, Really?

Advances in generative AI—particularly in large language models (LLMs)—have accelerated rapidly over the past three years. ChatGPT is a well-known example, but progress extends far beyond language: visual-language models (VLMs), as well as models for generating music, images, and video, have all achieved remarkable breakthroughs. This talk offers a concise overview of what these models are, how they work at a high level, and the ways they can be applied in practice.

Jarno Ralli, Ph.D

… received his B.Sc. in Industrial Automation from the Polytechnic of Jyväskylä, Finland, in 1999, his M.Sc. in Computer Science from the Technical University of Lappeenranta, Finland, in 2004, and his Ph.D in Computer Vision from the University of Granada, Spain, in 2011.

He has lived in several countries, such as Chile, Spain, U.K and Germany.

He has worked in a wide range of industries, including mining, food processing, and automotive, with emphasis on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles.

In addition, he has worked in the fields of video analytics, used for improving safety at public spaces such as airports, as well as virtual and mixed reality applications and 3D-scanning.

If you must cancel: be in touch with Jacqueline Weinberg (jacqueline@iwch.fi), latest Thursday 2nd of October.

This event is now fully booked : click on the link below “NOTIFY ME ” and this will place you on the waitlist. If a spot opens up you will be contacted by the event organizer.

Event Full, Waitlist Opened! | A Visit to Finlandia Exhibition, with Heikki Aalto-Alanen
2025-10-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Finlandia-talo, Mannerheimintie 13e, 00100
Join us for this special members-only event!

Starting with lunch at 12.00 (on own dime) at Finlandia Cafe&Wine – Finlandia House.

13.00 – 13.45: Meet Aino & Alva’s grandson Heikki Aalto-Alanen, the author of the book Aino & Alvar Aalto: A Life Together and a key figure in preserving the legacy of his grandparents, the architects Aino and Alvar Aalto. His book is based on Aino and Alvar Aalto’s letters and correspondence.

13.45 – 15.00: Finlandia Exhibition, Heikki Aalto-Alanen will join us to the exhibition, where you can have discussions and ask questions.

Heikki Aalto Alanen. Kuva Niclas Mäkelä 2020.

You can buy Heikki’s book at Finlandia House Shop, as well as get it signed by the author. The store has the book in Finnish and English.

Instructions for arrival. Finlandia Exhibition ticket 16€ (NO MUSEUM CARD). You can buy your ticket at the Finlandia House Service point. Tell them at the service point that you belong to IWCH group!

If you must cancel: be in touch with Monica Niemi (monica@iwch.fi), latest Friday 17th of October.

When the event is full, a link will appear below, allowing members to sign up to the waitlist. If or when a spot opens up, members on waitlist will be contacted.

Stillness and Me-Time: Everyday Rituals for Stillness and Presence
2025-10-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Pauliina’s Home – Eira, Helsinki (Exact address to be shared to attendees)
Learn simple mindfulness and meditation techniques designed to bring ease, insight, and a deeper sense of presence into everyday life.

We will gather in the calm of club member Pauliina Salmenhaara’s living room and discover soul-nourishing ways to slow down and reconnect with yourself. This four-session series is a gentle invitation to make room for stillness, clarity, and meaningful me-time in everyday life. Each evening includes guided meditation, nourishing reflection, and grounding practices to feel more present and in tune with yourself.

No experience needed, just a curious heart and the desire to feel more grounded and calm.

Pauliina was introduced to meditation almost 30 years ago, and she has been hosting mediation and mindfulness events since 2010. She has seen the great benefit, both personally and professionally, from very simple breathing and other techniques, which are especially helpful during times of stress and anxiety, when the mind and heart become overwhelmed.

Meditation and mindfulness are integral to her work as a holistic practitioner, vegan chef, and host of women’ s circles, and she hopes to spread some of this joy and love with IWCH members as well.

Please feel at ease to email her with any questions regarding Stillness and Me-Time at chat@rawio.asia.

If you must cancel: be in touch with Pauliina Salmenhaara (chat@rawio.asia), latest Monday 20th of October.

When the event is full, a link will appear below, allowing members to sign up to the waitlist. If or when a spot opens up, members on waitlist will be contacted.

Inside the Arts | A Visit to Veikko Halmetoja's Personal Collection
2025-10-23 17:00 - 18:00 | The Halmetoja Residence, Exact address to be shared with attendees, Malmi
Join us in opening the season for IWCH’s own club Inside the Arts, an exclusive event for members only. In this event, we have the unique pleasure of being invited to visit art critic, gallerist, and curator Veikko Halmetoja’s private collection. We welcome you to join us in this evening of discovery and conversation.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, this evening promises insightful dialogue and a deeper connection to Veikko Halmetoja’s personal collection and view on the arts.

Please note:

Be advised that also living in the two-storey Halmetoja residence are two lovely poodles – if you have pet allergies or difficulties with stairs, take this into consideration.

As we enter the private home of our host, remember to bring indoor shoes!

Veikko Halmetoja

… is an art critic and curator who has worked as a gallerist since 2015. He curates both group and solo exhibitions.

The art-loving public of Helsinki may remember him as a critic for Finland’s largest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, during 2010 – 2015.

Veikko served as the curator for Mänttä Art Festival in 2018.

He is also interested in alternative exhibition spaces, having curated shows in such venues as condemned houses.

On his spare time, Veikko writes radio columns and spends time with his poodle, Fred.

Read more: galleryhalmetoja.com/gallery

If you must cancel: be in touch with Sofia Salmenhaara (sofia@iwch.fi), latest Tuesday 21nd of October.

When the event is full, a link will appear below, allowing members to sign up to the waitlist. If or when a spot opens up, members on waitlist will be contacted.

Visit The Directors’ Institute Finland
2025-10-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Director’s Institute Finland, Aleksanterinkatu 50 A 6, 00100 Helsinki
We warmly welcome club members to visit the Directors’ Institute Finland (DIF) to learn more about its role in developing and promoting good corporate governance, sustainable leadership, and responsible board work in Finland.

This is a wonderful opportunity to discover how DIF supports directors and executives in strengthening board professionalism and effectiveness. You will also gain insights into current trends in governance, the importance of ethical leadership in today’s business environment, and how DIF fosters dialogue between decision-makers, companies, and society.

Our host General Secretary Leena Linnainmaa will present DIF’s mission, activities, and member services, and share perspectives on why strong governance is essential not only for companies but for the sustainable development of the economy and society at large.

About our host: Leena Linnainmaa is Secretary General of Directors’ Institute Finland (DIF, www.dif.fi), as well as Board Member of ecoDa, the European Confederation of Directors’ Associations (www.ecoda.eu). Ms Linnainmaa is an expert on corporate governance, company law and securities market law as well as women’s leadership issues.

She is the Vice Chair of the Finnish Council of Regulatory Impact Analysis and past Chair of the European Corporate Governance Codes Network. Prior to joining DIF in September 2019, Ms Linnainmaa was Deputy Chief Executive of Finland Chamber of Commerce where she worked since 2000. Before that she gained more than 10 years’ experience in the banking sector.

Source: https://www.icgn.org/leena-linnainmaa

If you must cancel: be in touch with Olena Podoleva (olena@iwch.fi), latest Saturday 24th of October.

When the event is full, a link will appear below, allowing members to sign up to the waitlist. If or when a spot opens up, members on waitlist will be contacted.

Event Full, Waitlist Opened! | Visit | Ensto Invest
2025-11-05 16:00 - 18:00
Join us for this special visit to Ensto Invest – a family-owned company shaping a sustainable future through long-term industrial ownership. Rooted in Finnish values, combining responsibility, innovation, and resilience to support companies that build smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable societies.

Guests will be granted an exclusive look at Handle with Care, the Miettinen Collection’s exhibition on view in Ensto Invest’s space — an exploration of how themes of care and contemporary resonance unfold through art within a working environment.

This event is open for members and their guests!

???? Where: Ensto Invest, Ludviginkatu 3–5, Helsinki???? Date & Time: 5th November 2025, from 16:00 to 18:00???? Capacity: 20 persons maximum⏳ Last day to sign up: 5th November 2025✨ Sparkling wine will be served.???? enstoinvest.com

Inside the Arts | Atelier Visit: Laura Pehkonen
2025-11-06 17:00 - 18:00 | The Atelier of Laura Pehkonen, Vallilla, (exact address to be shared at a later time)
Join us for another exclusive dip into the Helsinki art scene. This time, Inside the Arts visits the atelier of Finnish ceramic and visual artist Laura Pehkonen.

Laura Pehkonen is a ceramicist and visual artist based in Helsinki who graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Aalto University in 2014. In recent years, she has created large-scale public ceramic wall artworks for clients such as the Helsinki Art Museum HAM, Vaasa Hospital, and the Finnish State Art Commission. (Lokal Helsinki)

Pehkonen uses and combines various materials and techniques in her work; currently focusing on ceramic, wood, and painting as mediums. In this special event, we will get the chance to experience the works in-person and hear about Pehkonen’s artistic practice, followed by a chance to ask deepening questions and engage in dialogue with the artist herself.

Laura Pehkonen

… is a Finnish Helsinki-based ceramic and visual artist working mainly with unique pieces. In recent years, she has created several large-scale public ceramic wall reliefs. Pehkonen uses and combines various materials and techniques in her work. Currently she is working with ceramic, wood and painting.

“I am looking for contrasts, proportions, balance and presence in my work. Regardless of the material or technique, I am curious to do try-outs. Ceramic, mixed media and painting. Rather than repeating a single format, I provoke myself with several materials and techniques.”

Pehkonen’s works are included in the collections of HAM, EMMA, the Finnish State Art Commission / Finnish National Gallery, and several private collections. Her work has been exhibited in Finland as well as in Iceland, Denmark, France, Sweden and Peru.

Instagram: @lpehkonen

Walk & Coffee with Sarah
2025-11-10 10:00 - 12:00
Walk around Töölö Bay

Join us for a Walk and Coffee

Please join us on Monday 10 November for a walk around Töölö Bay. Easy, flat walk around 5km. Meet at front of Central Station. We are heading towards Finlandia Talo for coffee (own dime).

Where: Central railway station – in front of Olivia’s

Difficulty level: easy

Deadline to register: 7/11/2025

Guest or members only: guests are welcome

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

November Luncheon | Lilla Roberts
2025-11-11 11:30 - 14:00
Join us for a Luncheon at the boutique hotel Lilla Roberts, right in the heart of Helsinki!

Lilla Roberts blends modern luxury with 1930s Art Deco charm offering a unique atmosphere. We are delighted to have our luncheon speaker, Doctoral Researcher and Project Specialist Ana Jones- Wilenius from the Finland Futures Research Centre, who will share highlights from the Summary Report of the Great Forest Dialogue Day 2025, freshly published by the Kone Foundation on the 23rd of October.

Forest is a very important resource for the Finnish economy, but is also vital for climate, biodiversity, and contributes to people’s wellbeing- many Finns love to go to forest to enjoy nature. Have you ever thought about how society should balance all the different interests in the forest in a sustainable way? What does forest mean to you?

Ana has been one of the organisers of the many dialogues for the Great Forest Dialogue Day, as well as the accompanying report. Her research centres on interdisciplinary initiatives that investigate the nature of change and its effect on the social environment of cities globally. Ana has lived in Columbia, the United States, and Germany.

Schedule: 11:30 – 12:00 Presentation; 12:15 -14:00 Luncheon (by Krog Roba, €31,50)

Venue: Meeting Room Selim, Lilla Roberts, Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, 00130 Helsinki

Capacity: 40 participants

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

To cancel, contact the event organiser latest Friday 7.11. 10am.

What is the Future of Forests in Finland?Results from the Summary Report of the Great Forest Dialogue Day 2025

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and halting biodiversity loss. They are an essential part of the Finnish economy and an important source of income generation.

At the same time, forests are meaningful spaces for living, recreation, for wellbeing and restoration. Research shows forests are irreplaceable ecosystems, essential to provide habitat for thousands of species.

Yet, the meaning, and the use of forests in Finland is changing. In the future, we will need to learn how to balance the plurality of people’s values and interests while ensuring that forests remain within their ecological carrying capacity.

Ana Jones-Wilenius, PhD Candidate

…conducts research at the Finland Futures Research Centre (FFRC), University of Turku. Her focus is on interdisciplinary systems and complexity research combined with futures theory and methods to contribute to build knowledge and understanding of the human-nature integration, how it evolves and its role in social change.

Ana holds a B.A. of Interior Design from the Boston Architectural College in Boston, USA. In 2014 she completed her Master of Science in Resource Efficiency in Architecture and Urban Planning, (M.Sc.) from the HafenCity University Hamburg. Currently she is PhD Candidate at the University of Turku, Turku School of Economics. The preliminary title of her thesis is: Greensight: A Futures-Inspired Framework for Exploring Transformation in the Urban Environment.

Ana’s experience involves working on international and multi-disciplinary projects with a pronounced social purpose. She has lived in eight countries and 13 cities.

Visit | The Executive Office of the City of Helsinki
2025-11-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Helsinki Old Town Hall, Aleksanterinkatu 20, 00170 Helsinki
The City of Helsinki, the capital of Finland and country’s largest employer, operates with over 37,000 professionals across four divisions and central administration. The central administration, the City Executive Office, is an agency under the Helsinki city government which is responsible for the development of the city. The City Office acts as the general planning, preparation and executive office of the City Council, City Board and City administration, with the aim of creating added value for the City of Helsinki and improving its operations.

During the visit you will get an overview of the City of Helsinki’s operations, guiding principles, city strategy as well as its international engagement.

Where: Aleksanterinkatu 20 “Bock House”

Date & Time: 11th November 2025, from 15:00 to 16:30

The visit will offer insights into how Helsinki aims to ensure a high quality of life for its residents through sustainable development, good governance, and inclusive cooperation. Participants will also learn how the city promotes community, innovation, and global partnerships in its work.

This event is an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Helsinki’s strategic direction and the city’s role as a responsible, forward-looking capital.

(c) Jussi Hellsten

Visit | Finnpartnership
2025-11-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Finnpartnership, Porkkalankatu 22 A,, 00180 Helsinki
We warmly welcome you to visit Finnpartnership,

… a Business Partnership Programme financed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and managed by Finnfund.

During the visit, you will have the opportunity to learn about Finnpartnership’s work in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth through business collaboration, its funding instruments, and inspiring success stories from Finnish companies expanding globally with a positive impact.

Our host will be Birgit Nevala, Programme Director, who will introduce the programme’s activities and share insights into how Finnish businesses can create value and social impact through international partnerships.

Members and their guests are welcome.

Birgit Nevala, Programme Director at Finnpartnership

Address: Porkkalankatu 22 A, 00180 Helsinki

Maximum capacity: 20 personsDeadline for sign-up: November 10, 2025

Jukka Rintala – Master of Elegance, Finlandia Showroom Exhibition
2025-11-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Finlandia-talo, Mannerheimintie 13e, 00100
Fashion artist Jukka Rintala is one of the brightest stars in the Finnish fashion world,

… whose line creates strength, sensitivity and beauty in all his designs. He combines fashion and art in a unique way, making his sculptural costumes shine and arouse admiration.

Jukka Rintala is also a painter, whose art has been presented in several museum exhibitions alongside his costumes. Costumes and paintings form a unique combination – Rintala’s life’s work. The experiential exhibition at Finlandia Hall showcases the best of Jukka Rintala – unique costumes and paintings – from his long career.

Join us for coffees/drinks in Finlandia Cafe&Wine after the Showroom Exhibition!

Walk & Coffee - Kauniainen
2025-12-02 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a Walk and Coffee

Please join us on Tuesday 2nd December for a walk around Kauniainen. Easy, relatively flat walk around 5km. Meet at Kauniainen Station at 10 am

Where: Kauniainen Station

Difficulty level: easy

Deadline to register: 1/12/2025

Guest or members only: guests are welcome

Event full. Waitlist opened. Guided Tour | 'Spain Beyond the Myths', at Sinebrychoff Museum
2025-12-03 11:10 - 12:10 | Sinebrychoffin Museum, Bulevardi 40, Helsinki, 00120
The imagery of Spanishness

… sprang from the interaction between travellers who fell in love with the country and the Spanish artists whose works matched their imaginings. The art of the 19th century contains motifs that accentuate Spain’s exoticism and unique characteristics. Today, tourists from all over the world are still looking for an authentic Spain rooted in these images. …

The exhibition takes us from paintings that draw on the traditions of the 19th century and the ideals and myths of Spanishness towards the new era and international movements. The curators are Helena Alonso and J. Òscar Carrascosa, c2c Cultura, and Salla Heino. This is the first time that Spanish painting from the 19th and 20th centuries has been shown on this scale in Finland.” (Sinebrychoff Museum)

Moment of Reflection, 1876, Luis Jiménez Aranda (1845–1928); (Oil on canvas, 38.8 x 23 cm, Photo: Colección Pedrera Martínez)

The core of the Sinebrychoff Museum is the unique home environment of Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff, which is permanently on display on the second floor of the museum.

The tour will start at 11:15 so please arrive at the museum by 11:10 latest to purchase your ticket or show your Museum Card.

Christmas Luncheon | Hotel Haven
2025-12-10 11:30 - 14:00 | 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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