The museum’s glass ceiling is one of the focus areas for repair work, meaning the main entrance would have to be cordoned off.
“It’s possible that it will be completely closed to the public,” said customer head Reijo Mälkiä in an interview with Yle. “Still, we’re wondering if the Kiasma theatre might be able to stay open if there’s a separate different entrance.”
In addition to replacing the glass roofing, the remote cooling and automated systems will be renewed. The process will also include the inspection of leaks in the roof.
The renovations are scheduled for September of 2014 and are expected to be completed by February of the following year.
"A challenge for the museum"
"Such a long closure is of course a challenge for the museum,” commented Kiasma’s director, Pirkko Siitari. “We hope that the museum space could be partly used.”
A clear timetable for the revamp will be decided on soon, according to Senate Properties. Kiasma will close for the renovations after next autumn’s showing of Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar’s exhibition, which starts in April 2014.
The museum’s owner has not yet outlined a costing for the overhaul, since a contractor has not been selected.
The museum celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Its construction began in 1996 and it first opened its doors to the public in May, 1998.
