The theatre has its roots in two organizations:
Helsingin Työväenteatteri ("Workers' Theatre of Helsinki", established in 1902) and
Helsingin Kansanteatteri (People's Theatre of Helsinki, established in 1934). These two merged in 1948 to form
Helsingin Kansanteatteri-Työväenteatteri ("People's and Workers' Theatre of Helsinki"), which eventually transitioned into the Helsinki City Theatre in 1964. The rebranding was largely a result of the emergence of the Helsinki Theatre Foundation, who owns the theatre, and whose members are elected by the
City Council of Helsinki. ==Stages==