The Finnish National Theatre was designed by the architect Onni Tarjanne. In 1902, the building, built in the national romantic style, was erected along one edge of the Railway Square. The facade of the building was made of granite from Uusikaupunki in north-west Finland and soapstone, and the roof, of red tiles and copper. The auditorium could hold up to 1100 theatregoers. The building project was funded by issuing shares.

     The opening ceremony was held on April 8th, Elias Lönnrot's birthday. There was a matinée performance of J.H.Erkko's play 'Pohjolan häät' ('A Pohjola Wedding') and for the evening performance they played 'Alkusoitto' under Armas Järnefelt's baton, a choral piece by Jean Sibelius called 'Tulen synty' ('The Origin Of Fire') and 'Lea' by Aleksis Kivi, starring Ida Aalberg. The opening ceremony performances were completely sold out and the festivities went on for several days.