Renovation of Turku Cathedral in the 2020s

An extensive renovation of Turku Cathedral is set to take place during this decade. The last major renovation occurred between 1976 and 1979, and many of the cathedral’s systems now require modernization to meet contemporary needs. Additionally, the project aims to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience while ensuring that the cathedral remains a functional and welcoming place of worship for modern-day Christian congregations.

While the renovations in the 1970s primarily focused on technical updates, the current project takes a broader approach, considering both functionality and historical preservation. One key goal is to repurpose underutilized backstage areas into new meeting spaces for the congregation. However, only minor modifications will be made to the main church hall.

The renovation plans are currently being drafted. Work is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028—just in time for the 800th anniversary of the city of Turku. The first phase will focus on updating the technical infrastructure of the church hall. Due to the scale of the renovations, weddings and other events will not be possible in Turku Cathedral during the summer of 2026.