Finnish National Theatre

Uniguest helps 150-year-old institution leap into the digital age.

The Finnish National Theatre, established in 1872, is a theatre located in central Helsinki on the northern side of the Helsinki Central Railway Station Square. The Finnish National Theatre is the oldest Finnish speaking professional theatre in Finland. It was known as the Finnish Theatre until 1902, when it was renamed the Finnish National Theatre.

A Connected Digital Experience for One of Europe’s Leading Theatres

The Finnish National Theatre in Helsinki, one of Europe’s oldest and most respected performing arts venues, recently completed a subtle but powerful digital transformation with the help of Uniguest technology and Finnish systems integrator Audico Systems Oy.

The project is a strong example of Uniguest’s Venue Hub solution in action – bringing together IPTV, digital signage, room booking and secure video-on-demand streaming into one connected platform. The result is a system that supports the fast-paced creative process while improving day-to-day operations across the venue.

We had a long list of things and AV features we wanted to implement or update during our major renovation. Uniguest’s Venue Hub provided the answer to almost all of these needs. The solution was easy.

Petri Tarkiainen

Digital Services Lead, Finnish National Theatre

A Hub that works behind the curtain

At the core of the system is Uniguest’s Tripleplay IPTV platform, used to distribute both traditional TV channels and live video feeds from seven different stages to users and staff in real time during rehearsals and performances. These feeds are integrated with Theatron – an internationally adopted and highly developed planning and time management system for performing arts venues – which underpins the theatre’s entire operation.
The integration allows staff to access a custom electronic programme guide, view room activity, record sessions and access content for later review. Recordings are stored and shared securely using eStream, Uniguest’s cloud-based video platform, helping teams across departments collaborate more effectively and continue refining creative ideas outside rehearsal hours.

These tools have had a decisive impact on how technical staff and especially artistic designers can continue their work outside of actual stage and working hours – some work deep into the night. On-stage rehearsal time is limited due to other repertoire activities, so this flexibility makes a real difference.

Petri Tarkiainen

Digital Services Lead at the Finnish National Theatre

Digital signage and space management

Venue Hub brings real-time digital signage to every corner of the historic Finnish National Theatre – from foyer messaging to backstage updates and rehearsal room status screens – bridging modern technology with a traditional environment.
For room management, Reserva booking panels now display real-time availability outside rehearsal and meeting spaces. These have replaced legacy systems and brought much-needed visibility and simplicity to a busy schedule of performances, rehearsals and workshops.

Petri Tarkiainen

Digital Services Lead at the Finnish National Theatre

Delivered in partnership

The project was delivered in collaboration with Finnish AV specialist Audico Systems Oy, who brought deep technical knowledge and a strong understanding of the local theatre sector. The team played a key role in integrating the IPTV platform with Theatron and designing a setup that fits seamlessly into the theatre’s day-to-day operations.

Uniguest provided technical support and oversight throughout – ensuring all components worked as one unified Venue Hub solution.

Finnish National Theatre Digital Signage

More than an upgrade

The new system has changed how the theatre communicates, collaborates and manages its spaces. Staff have embraced the tools quickly, and the theatre is now seen as a technology leader among its peers.

We entered the 2020s with one giant leap. In the process, we technically surpassed many similar arts organisations that we used to admire and envy. Now they call us and ask how we did this.