Nekala Cultural Centre
What is the Nekala Cultural Centre?
The Nekala Cultural Centre is a new, multidisciplinary cultural venue that has been renovated in the premises of the Nekala School, originally completed in 1930. The cultural centre houses Nekalab, the Nekala Library, and the The Adult Education Centre of the Tampere Region, which together form a unique setting for culture, art, and learning.
The Nekala Cultural Centre is located in the Nekala district at Lounaantie 2 (33800 Tampere). You can reach the cultural centre by bus number 14. Bus number 10 takes you to the Lampipuisto stop, which is about a 500-meter walk away. There is space for bicycle parking in front of the building. Parking spaces in the area are limited.
Nekalab – creative hub
Nekalab is operated by Livelaboratorio Tampere Oy. It offers 44 workrooms used by more than a hundred creative professionals, including visual artists, musicians, performing artists, writers, film and video makers, multidisciplinary artists, game creators, and other cultural practitioners. The workspaces are available for both long‑term and short‑term rental. Nekalab also hosts events, exhibitions, and open studios. The building additionally includes Ravintola Nekalab, a welcoming restaurant on the ground floor that is open to all visitors.
Nekalab offers:
- permanent workspaces for professionals in the cultural and arts sector
- spaces that can be rented by the hour
- open workspaces and exhibitions according to the program of the building's operators
- event spaces for companies, associations, and private individuals
- restaurant services
You can find out more about Nekalab on its website.
Nekala Library
Nekala Library is located at the Ahlmanintie end of the cultural centre (door C). The library has both service opening hours and extensive self-service opening hours. During self-service hours, the library doors can be opened with a PIKI library card and its PIN code. Users of self-service libraries must register as self-service customers at the library.
There are no staff members present during self-service opening hours, but you can borrow and return items using the machines, use the computers, read magazines, and even work or hold meetings in the library premises.
Nekala Library services:
- extensive collection of materials
- self-service borrowing and returning
- facilities for studying, working, and reading magazines
- self-service library from morning to evening
You can find more detailed contact information and opening hours for Nekala Library on the library's website.
You can also find out more about self-service libraries and read about how to register as a customer.
The Adult Education Centre of the Tampere Region
The Adult Education Centre of the Tampere Region offers a wide range of opportunities for hands-on activities and learning new skills at the Nekala Cultural Centre. The centre houses three different workshops: a metal workshop, a clay workshop, and a craft workshop.
Services at the cultural centre:
- Metal workshop – courses and independent work; the space is equipped with machines and tools suitable for metalwork.
- Pottery workshop – courses in ceramics and pottery, as well as independent work.
- Workshop – a versatile workspace where you can do various types of material work through courses or independent work.
- Other courses.
The Adult Education Centre also provides additional short courses, demonstrations and teaching in different parts of the building. The programme adapts to local needs and offers more opportunities for people of all ages to participate and learn by doing.
The short address for this page is tampere.fi/en/nekalaculturalcentre