Recently opened at the Helsinki City Museum, the Roskaa! (“Trash!”) exhibition dives straight into the heart of waste! But in the exhibition, trash isn’t just trash – it’s transformed into playful mascots and clever games that tell the story of the city of Helsinki’s waste management. The exhibition stands out with its imaginative illustrations and graphic design, which give it a colorful, thought-provoking visual identity.
Illustrator Riku Ounaslehto, represented by Napa Agency, has created a cast of vibrant and humorous characters that excite both kids and adults. His brilliantly drawn mascots for the exhibition – Mr. Sumppi, Lörö, Voda, Kara, and Rööperi the Rat – guide visitors on an adventure deep into the world of Finland’s capital’s waste.
The exhibition explores the past, present, and future of Helsinki’s waste management through playful tasks, themed areas, and maps illustrated by Riku. The “Home” section highlights changes in consumption habits, “Sewer” reveals the hidden world of pipes, “Waste Management” shows how trash moves through the city, “Recycling Workshop” breathes new life into old objects, and the “Future” area invites us to dream of a more sustainable city.
If you haven’t been yet, Roskaa! is definitely worth a visit. It’s on display at the Helsinki City Museum, Aleksanterinkatu 16, from April 25 to October 5, 2025. As always, admission is free! This exhibition doesn’t just open your eyes to the world of waste – it shows how beauty and fun can be found in the most unexpected places, even in trash. And most importantly, it makes us reflect on what we leave behind.
Visit the official Roskaa! exhibition page here. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Helsinki City Museum, Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY), and Uusix workshops. It was produced by curator Magnus Rask, with exhibition architecture by Tarja Kunttunen.
The exhibition’s bold and playful visual world was created by Riku Ounaslehto, a Lapland-born illustrator and graphic designer based in Helsinki. His style reflects a distinct Nordic charm and whimsy. Ounaslehto has illustrated for the City of Helsinki, Stockmann, the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, and many more. You can explore his portfolio here: https://napa-agency.fi/kuvittaja/riku-ounaslehto/
