Olympic Stadiums That Now Serve Completely Different Purposes

24. Helsinki Olympic Stadium (1952) – Now a National Sports Museum and Concert Venue

Original Purpose: Hosted athletics and opening/closing ceremonies for the 1952 Summer Olympics. New Purpose: A hybrid space blending a national sports museum, open-air concert venue, and everyday athletic facility. Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium has gracefully aged into one of the most dynamic legacy venues in the world. After an ambitious renovation completed in 2020, it now houses Finland’s Sports Museum, where visitors can explore the country’s rich athletic history. The stadium also hosts concerts and public fitness events, often filled with joggers, school kids, and tourists snapping selfies under its iconic tower. With preserved architecture and updated amenities, Helsinki proves that Olympic venues can balance historic charm with modern use—without losing their soul.