The room “Ode to Maritime Oulu” was created in collaboration with the Oulu-based art company KaikuArt, with artistic execution by Sanna Anttonen and concept design by Inka Leskinen. The room brings to light Oulu’s often overlooked maritime character through art. Its most striking element is the floor, crafted using a visually bold alcohol ink technique—a material rarely seen in large, high-traffic spaces. The result is a deep, vibrant surface that reflects like water and is sustainably protected with epoxy.

You can view the full video showcasing the entire room here.

"We don’t want the room to depict the sea, but to make you feel the sea.”

– Sanna Anttonen, KaikuArt artist

The floor serves as a symbolic sea surface, with the bed floating above it like an island. Beyond the floor, the entire room will be designed around the maritime Oulu theme, down to the smallest details.

“As an Oulu native, I’ve often felt disappointed by how little the sea features in our local identity. But things can change and be steered in the desired direction. In the themed room Ode to Maritime Oulu, the sea doesn’t stay in the background—it takes center stage and is celebrated,” says concept designer Inka Leskinen.

Art for everyone – in everyday life and as an experience

The room opened as part of the 2026 European Capital of Culture program and is expected to interest tourists, locals, and those seeking cultural experiences alike. The art hotel room can be booked as normal accommodation, but in 2026 it will also open to the public on Sundays of even weeks from 4-6 PM, as part of the Abstract Sensory Journey. This makes the art experience accessible even to those who don't typically visit galleries. The room will remain part of the hotel's room offering after 2026, serving as a cultural heritage and an experiential interpreter of Oulu identity for future guests.

"As a hotel, we want to be part of Oulu's European Capital of Culture year in 2026. Additionally, it's wonderful that we're getting another narrative room in our hotel to strengthen our local identity and bring an experiential element to visits," states Hotel Manager Päivi Kaarlela.

Book now!

The room can be booked through our website from the "SuperiorX king, extra bed possibility" room category. There are other rooms in this category as well, so availability of this specific themed room should be confirmed separately with the hotel's sales service or reception. (tel. 08 3123 255 or email: sales.oulu@sokoshotels.fi).

Warmly welcome to experience an unforgettable hotel night in the middle of an artwork that is like the sea!