Cable Factory's history corridor

Cable Factory celebrates its industrial and cultural centre history and has opened a nearly 200-square-meter mural series in its basement spaces, created by the artist Ruusa. The works depict the story of Cable Factory’s transformation, across almost one hundred years, from an industrial plant into a vibrant cultural hub. The series comprises 14 paintings of various sizes.

The murals move from the early days of cable manufacturing and undersea cable production to the era of telecommunications and Nokia’s mobile phone development, as well as the activities of the Pro Kaapeli association. Ultimately, they lead toward today’s cultural centre and its diverse community of operators.

The works highlight key figures in Cable Factory’s history: engineer Arvid Wikström, founder of Finland’s first cable company, and the factory’s early directors — Olympic champion Verner Weckman and industrialist Björn Westerlund.

The walls feature Jörn Donner and Erkki Tuomioja, who played a significant role in the City of Helsinki’s decisions regarding Cable Factory’s future. The murals also depict the first artist tenant, guitarist and composer Raoul Björkenheim, as well as architect Pia Ilonen and long-time property manager Soile Kaukolander, whose contributions are still visible in Cable Factory’s present-day appearance and operations.

Along the route, visitors will also encounter a smaller version of the Radio City neon sign, which was relocated from Lepakko to Cable Factory’s end wall, where it remained for more than 20 years. Both the original sign and its miniature were crafted by Suomi-Neon.

A graffiti gallery will open at the end of the history corridor in summer 2026. Take a look at the very first lines that Deputy Mayor for Culture and Leisure, Paavo Arhinmäki, got to paint there during the opening in late November 2025!