Image: Jussi Nukari / Lehtikuva

Up to Wednesday, the closest that most members of the public could get to seeing the interior of the Presidential Palace was viewing its splendor on their television sets during the annual Independence Day Gala -- or during press conferences where President Sauli Niinistö hosted foreign dignitaries.

This year, as Finland celebrates 100 years of independence, Niinistö has once more decided to open his official residence the public – but for a limited time only, until Saturday 13 May.

While the open house began on Wednesday, people eager for a view of the interior presidential residence still have a chance to attend viewings on Thursday from 10am to 6pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

The president’s office is advising members of the public to be sure to arrive at the residence’s Mariankatu entrance in good time, as no one will be admitted after the doors are closed.

Visitors are also being reminded that no large bags or rucksacks will be permitted inside the palace, neither will baby prams or strollers. The palace will not provide cloakroom facilities, so visitors will have to carry their overcoats with them. The tour will end at Pohjoisesplanadi.

The last time the public was invited for an open house was in 2015, when the newly-refurbished and modernised structure was unveiled after two years of restoration work.