This is Apollo Live Club in Helsinki
2014
Client
Night People Group Oy
Phote credit: Kim Ekman, Vision 51
Intro
Located in a historically protected former movie theater in the heart of Helsinki, Apollo Live Club was a project that called for both creativity and a deep respect for heritage. Tasked with renewing one of the city’s most iconic nightlife venues, we worked within strict preservation guidelines set by the National Board of Antiquities — while also honoring the club’s long-standing popularity and operational functionality.
Rather than pursuing a radical transformation, our design focused on subtle yet impactful enhancements: atmospheric lighting, expressive furnishings and upholstery, improved spatial flow, and carefully selected materials that complemented the building’s original character.
The result is a sophisticated and inviting live club environment — one that continues to resonate with audiences and restaurant guests alike. As our client noted, the redesign exceeded expectations and reinforced Apollo’s status as a landmark in Helsinki’s nightlife scene.
Feedback
– MIRA RITASMÄKI, VP RESTAURANT OPERATIONS NPG LTD.
Once again, we are more than satisfied with the very visible imprint of designer Jaana Ekman as well as Visionary Design Partners Helsinki in this project. The outcome is simply wonderful. Most importantly, our customers have been thrilled about the renewal. Jaana was able to exceed all of our expectations once again.
– ANTTI RAUNIO, CEO, NPG LTD.
This renewal project was very challenging, because Apollo is protected by Finland’s National Board of Antiquities. In addition, it would have been too great a risk to do too much modification just for the sake of renewal, because the place has been the town’s most popular nightclub for a long time. Jaana Ekman brought just the right kinds of thoughts to the plans and understood from the above-mentioned constraints. I am sure that now, the completed renewal will ensure our future success and the relapsed Apollo will continue to be the brightest beacon of the adults’ nightclub scene in Helsinki.
