Yläkaupungin Yö provides a showcase for numerous performers, groups and organizations in various art forms, revitalizing urban culture and the region’s economy. The University of Jyväskylä also participates in Yläkaupungin Yö with a diverse program. All events are free of charge and suitable for all ages.
A Campus for all - The Jyväskylä University’s disappearing Mattilanniemi Campus 1980 2026.
On Wed-Fri 13.–15. May 2026 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
On Saturday 16, May 2026 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Seminarium (S), Exhibition Centre Soihtu
This exhibition sheds light on the development of the Jyväskylä University’s Mattilanniemi Campus from an old pastureland to a city landfill and finally to a living and green university campus.
Time travel to Jyväskylä Teacher Seminary
On Friday 15, May 2026 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
On Saturday 16, May 2026 from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.
Seminarium (S), Exhibition Centre Soihtu
Travel back in time to the Jyväskylä Seminary's training school. In this self-guided museum adventure you will, for example, find out the contents of Uno Cygnaeus' suitcase and learn how to play Fortuna game. Children accompanied by adults.
Game demos
On Saturday 16, May 2026 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.
Main Building (C), lobby
Come and play the game projects of students from the University of Jyväskylä, in which sound and music play a central role! Students have been developing their projects during the spring in game project course and are now presenting the results of their work.
The World of Materials – Explore, Experiment, Create
On Saturday 16, May 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Library building Lähde (B), Taitoniekka (B118.1) and lobby 1st floor
Come explore the world of materials. How are products recycled and reused? What problems can waste cause when it ends up in the wrong place? Our non‑stop workshops offer fun activities for children and families.
Japan day: matsuri
On Saturday 16, May 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Library building Lähde (B), 1st floor lobby and Kuvasto (B154), 2nd floor lobby, Päätelmä (B247) and Väite (B248).
Welcome to Japan Day on Saturday, May 16, 2026! The event is open to everyone, and you will get to explore Japanese culture, such as music, language, and traditions. This year's theme is matsuri, a joyful communal festival.
The Rise of Plastic Creatures - giant board game
On Saturday 16, May 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Library building Lähde (B), Tietoniekka (B116)
The Rise of Plastic Creatures is a life-size board game and participatory art project by Muoviamo. Players roll giant dice to move through the game, exploring evolution, ecosystems and plastic's environmental impact through interactive play, research and creative experimentation. Designed for children, families and curious learners of all ages.
Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain and MUSICONNECT Outreach
On Saturday 16, May 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Musica (M), 1st floor lobby
The Centre of Excellence for Music, Mind, Body and Brain and the MUSICONNECT project would like to welcome the public to learn more about research on music and science. We will share information on our ongoing studies and research results.
Maahinkaistanssijat - historical dance
On Saturday 16, May 2026 at 5:00-5:30 p.m. and at 6:30-7:00 p.m.
Seminarium (S), old assembly hall (S212)
Maahinkaistanssijat performs dances reconstructed from historical sources, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Maahinkainen has been teaching historical dances since 1999 in cooperation with the University of Jyväskylä.
Read more about the programs and explore the full programme in the Yläkaupungin Yö website.
