Photo Lapinlahden Lähde
Lapinlahden Lähde – The centre for arts, culture and mental wellbeing
Lapinlahden Lähde is a haven of culture and well-being in the middle of Helsinki. Today this over 180-year-old historical jewel, is a centre for mental wellbeing, artistic creativity, cultural events, civil society activities and entrepreneurship and it is open to the public every day.
Through events that encourage dialogue, collaboration, and artistic exploration, the center strengthens the social fabric of the city. Whether it's a poetry reading, a live music performance, or a mindfulness workshop, each gathering nurtures connections, builds bridges, and fosters a sense of community resilience.
Lapinlahden Lähde organises seminars, gatherings and various culture and welfare events. It also provides premises for long- and short-term rental. Moreover, it hosts arts exhibitions all over Lapinlahti's public spaces. Lapinlahden Lähde is also a learning environment in which people who find working life challenging can strengthen their abilities and learn new sets of skills. Neurodiversity is important in the center, therefore the center operates as a safe space and a diagnose free environment.
Café Lähde in the main building is the heart of the house and provides both salty and sweet treats. The old sauna of Lapinlahden Lähde is heated regularly, and it provides both mental and physical relaxation for locals and visitors alike. The museum showcasing the history of the area and mental health care, called Mental Museum, is located on the ground floor of the main building, adjacent to Café Lähde.
In addition, next to the main building, there is the Lähteen Puoti shop in which visitors can purchase handcrafted works from a selection produced by independent artists, or perhaps one could enter Patina next door, a shop dealing in wholesale second-hand goods. You can also find a bakery, roastery cafeteria Metsäpaahtimo, rescue flower shop and urban allotment gardens – gardening has always been an important part of Lapinlahti's history and tradition.
This remarkable space, once a historical mental hospital, has been masterfully transformed into a thriving hub where the essence of creativity meets the science of healing, igniting a beacon of hope and transformation for all who cross its threshold.
Lapinlahden Lähde stands as a testament of the power of repurposing spaces to serve the evolving needs of society, transforming from a place of confinement to a haven of healing and expression.
Welcome to visit the lively centre and enjoy its tranquillity and community spirit.