The Suomen Kansallisooppera, in a white marble functionalist building on the western shore of Töölö Bay, opened in 1993 after decades of planning. The company performs both opera and ballet, with strong contemporary repertoire alongside the standards. The acoustics are reckoned among the best of any newer opera house in Europe.
The on-site restaurant and the long terrace overlooking the bay are open before performances and during intervals. Combine with Finlandia Hall and Oodi for a culture loop. Tickets sell fast for the season opener and Wagner cycles; weekday performances are usually easy to get into.