Meaningful leisure time in different neighborhoods – the Culture and Leisure Committee approved plans for the coming years

These plans will guide the work of cultural, sports, and youth services, as well as the promotion of well-being and health in the coming years.

– Over the next four years, we will continue to develop cultural and leisure services in Tampere with determination. Our goal is to make culture and sports a part of everyday life for more and more people in Tampere, says Anne-Mari Jussila, Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture.

– At the same time, we want to further strengthen Tampere's position as a high-quality, internationally attractive city for sports, events, and culture, continues Jussila.

More opportunities for different city districts

The goal is to improve the well-being of children, young people, and disadvantaged groups in particular, as well as the vitality of city districts. The services bring together culture, sports, nature, and technology in new ways to give Tampere residents more opportunities to exercise, engage in hobbies, and learn new things in their everyday lives.

– We believe that distinctive neighborhoods will become even more important as a factor in Tampere's future appeal. We are creating opportunities for equal and accessible activities in different neighborhoods, says Lauri Savisaari, Director of Cultural Services.

New space for young people in Hervanta

The new youth sports center at the Hervanta Leisure Center, which will open in early 2026, the development of the Kauppi Sports Park, and the planning of the Hakametsä Sport Campus will also improve opportunities for physical activity in different parts of the city. Swimming lessons for children, young people, and families will be increased, swimming lessons for schoolchildren will be reformed, and planning for the Pirkkala–Tampere swimming hall project will continue. The city is also preparing for major international sporting events, such as the European Volleyball Championships and the Floorball World Championships.

According to Jukka Etu-Seppälä, Director of Sports and Youth Services, the aim of the development work is to make physical activity as easy as possible for different user groups.

– We are developing local sports facilities and the use of our facilities so that they better serve families, clubs, and independent exercisers.

New spaces and smoother services for culture

The cultural year in Tampere will be marked by events such as Museum Night, the Tampere Biennale, and the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra's park concert. The Nekala Cultural Center will open in the spring, the opening hours of self-service libraries will be extended, and the arrival of new library materials to customers will be speeded up. The Metso Main Library will celebrate its 40th anniversary and the Vapriikki Museum Center its 30th anniversary, which will be marked by various events for city residents. The expansion and renovation project of the Art Museum will begin, the renovation of Tullikamari will be completed in the fall, and the planning of the renovation and expansion of the Sara Hildén Art Museum in the Särkänniemi area will progress.

– With these important investments, the city is strengthening the quality of its cultural services and development opportunities in the long term, adds Jussila.

Reforms and investments will be implemented in stages

The operating margin of the Culture and Leisure Committee for 2026 is 124.3 million euros, which is 5.6 percent more than in the 2025 financial statements. Investments totaling 6.3 million euros will be made, mainly in sports facilities. The annual plan also includes previously decided adjustment measures totaling 3 million euros.

The reforms will be implemented in stages between 2026 and 2029, and at the same time, the city will monitor their impact and develop services together with residents, organizations, and partners to ensure that the overall package supports the everyday life and well-being of Tampere's residents of all ages as effectively as possible.