Kaivohuone (also abbreviated as Kaivo) is a restaurant in Helsinki, Finland. It is located in the middle of Kaivopuisto Park on the Iso Puistotie street, about one and a half kilometers south of the Market Square. The restaurant features a large outdoor terrace,[1] and in the summer, popular nightclubs performing by top artists are organized in the restaurant, which are especially popular on Wednesdays and Saturdays.[2][3][4]
History
The villa-styled house was built in 1838 and it was designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel.[1][3] Initially opened for restaurant use, Kaivohuone was one of the first restaurants in Helsinki.[2] Once upon a time, Kaivohuone also hosted circus arts and cabaret, among other things, and Kaivohuone was one of the most important centers of Helsinki's entertainment venues in the 19th century.[1]
In the 19th century, Kaivopuisto attracted vacationing Russian nobles who were not allowed to travel abroad to have fun. Kaivopuisto's spa became a popular holiday destination for St. Petersburg's social circles, and Helsinki became a cosmopolitan spa town for a couple of decades.[2]