STORIES OF HOUSES – IN SEARCH OF THE WOODEN CITY

The exhibition weaves together photographs and memories, creating a vivid experience that tells the story of the city’s architectural history and the evolution of its townscape. Stories from members of the generation that grew up in Kuopio between the 1940s and 1960s share what it was like to live in a city of wooden houses. The exhibition paints a picture of a bustling city, its streets filled with people going about their daily chores.

Up until the mid-20th century, the city of Kuopio consisted predominantly of wooden buildings. However, the post-war reconstruction period and urbanisation following the end of Second World War significantly altered the townscape. Many of the wooden houses were demolished to make way for new construction. Stories of houses shines a light on both the demolished and the existing wooden houses of Kuopio.

These buildings hold memories of what life was like in a city made of wood. The daily hustle and bustle of many Kuopio citizens centred around the chores involved in living in a wooden house. In their spare time, people went to the cinema or took a stroll in Väinölänniemi park. Many dreamt of one day living in a modern apartment building. For children, the winding alleys between the houses offered countless activities and opportunities for play after school.

The extensive collection of photographs presented at the exhibition reveal the different layers of the city. These photos showcase Kuopio’s 250-year-old architectural history. They illustrate the city’s evolution from a city consisting of low-rise wooden houses to a modern urban landscape. Alongside the photographs, the exhibition includes snippets of stories connected to the wooden buildings. Memories of “wooden Kuopio” intertwine with the present-day city, and the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the significance of our built heritage and the role of wooden houses in today’s cityscape.