Pienten polkuja photography exhibition travels to Brussels
The Pienten polkuja (Little Paths) photography exhibition by Hämeenlinna-based photographer Anu Hätinen is travelling next to Brussels. The exhibition showcases the everyday life of the forest pre-school group at Hirsimäki daycare centre in nearby nature, bringing Hämeenlinna’s forest and nature pedagogy to an international audience.
Anu Hätinen photographed the everyday life of the forest pre-school group at Hirsimäki daycare centre during the 2024–2025 operating season in Hämeenlinna’s nearby nature. The resulting Pienten polkuja photography exhibition was first displayed in June 2025 to the children, guardians, and staff of Hirsimäki daycare centre. After that, the exhibition was open at the gallery of Hämeenlinna Main Library from 20 January to 15 February 2026.
The exhibition is currently on display in the Belgian capital, Brussels, in the foyer of the European Committee of the Regions from 17 September to 15 October. The exhibition highlights Hämeenlinna’s long-standing nature and forest pedagogy and shows how nature serves as a meaningful learning environment and a builder of well-being in children’s everyday lives. In spring 2026, Hätinen submitted an exhibition application to the EU Committee of the Regions on the recommendation and with the assistance of Hämeenlinna city councillor Sari Rautio.
– This has been a wonderful collaboration with photographer Anu Hätinen. The photos tell the real story of children’s everyday lives and the joy of doing and participating. They reflect the expertise of Hämeenlinna’s early childhood education staff and the long tradition of forest activities, says Sari Vartiainen, Director of Early Childhood Education for the City of Hämeenlinna.
Hämeenlinna has a long tradition of implementing and developing nature and forest pedagogy. The first forest pre-school group was established in 2005, and today nature and forest pedagogy are a valued part of early childhood education and pre-primary education in Hämeenlinna. The activities have continued uninterrupted ever since, and the model has spread to different parts of Finland.
Get acquainted with the City of Hämeenlinna’s forest and nature pre-school groups.