Fotografiska Tallinn’s ambitious and extensive PLAY exhibition in Oulu, European Capital of Culture 2026 in Finland, invites visitors to discover that play is a powerful way to spark creativity and thought – for adults as well as children. The exhibition features 18 artists, more than 200 photographic prints, and a soundscape, video art and interactive elements that complement the atmosphere of the works.
The exhibition brings together works by leading names in photography, spanning the 1950s to the present day and different stages of the artists’ careers. Featured artists include the legendary photographer Martin Parr, who passed away in December, with The Last Resort (1983–1985); Jouko Lehtola with Young Heroes (1996); Cristina de Middel with The Afronauts (2012); and Christopher Herwig with Soviet Bus Stops (2002–2015).
The other artists featured in the exhibition are Susan Meiselas, Bruce Davidson, Roger Ballen, Nina Katchadourian, Sage Sohier, Trent Parke, Karolina Wojtas, Niccolò Rastrelli, Joosep Kivimäe, Mathias Väärsi, Pelle Cass, Deanna Dikeman and Louis-Philippe Rondeau. The sound design, guiding visitors from one atmosphere to another, has been created by Erki Pärnoja.
PLAY explores play both as a source of joy and as a distraction, highlighting moments of joy, resilience, rebellion and connection. Together, the works form a visual journey into play as a deeply human form of expression and a non-verbal language.
The exhibition is curated by Jorven Viilik, Brand Director at Fotografiska Tallinn. This is the first time Fotografiska Tallinn has presented an extensive photography exhibition outside its own premises. The exhibition has been created as part of the European Capital of Culture programme and is inspired by Oulu2026’s theme of Cultural Climate Change.
Opening hours
The PLAY exhibition is open daily in the heart of Oulu until 31 December 2026.
The Oulu2026 Info & Shop is also located in the same address.
Monday–Saturday 11am–7pm
Sunday 11am–6pm
Tickets
Discounted tickets are €12 and are available at the exhibition venue. The discounted price is available to students, pensioners, unemployed people, S-Etukortti holders, OP owner-customers and Kaleva subscribers.
Under-18s enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Address: Kauppurienkatu 10, 2nd floor, 90100 Oulu.
The exhibition space is located on the second floor of Pekuri Shopping Centre. It can be accessed via Pekuri’s entrances on Saaristonkatu and Kirkkokatu, as well as by lift directly from the car park on the ground floor.
