Iisalmi Cultural Centre is based on the winning proposal of Pekka Pitkänen’s office on an open architecture competition. The building, completed in 1989, is divided into two wings. The auditoriums are in a wing along the Ilvolankatu street, and the Iisalmi main library and the community college along the Riistakatu street. The wings are connected with an entrance hall and a café. The whole building is built with a pillar and plate structure. Main façades of the building are in ceramic plate, while secondary facades are in white render.  

The Iisalmi main library is located on the ground and first floor along the Riistakatu wing. The library space has two levels with a first-floor balcony opening to the main space. The library is mostly illuminated by skylights. The children’s library is in the rear, and it includes a storytelling room, with sitting steps. 

The main auditorium, Eino Säisä Hall, has around 450 seats in slightly curving rows in dark blue cloth. The stage can be used both for theatre, music and plays. The curtain was designed by textile artist Irma Kukkasjärvi. Karl Collan Hall is a level meeting room, which is also used as the meeting place of the Iisalmi town council. It has a large grid window to the north and a balcony. 

The community college spaces are located on the first floor of Riistakatu street. The community, college and library workspaces, are placed around a small atrium. The basement contains a small private nature museum, Luontomuseo.

Text: Mikko Laaksonen