Tampere art tram debuts Maya Hahto's giant yellow ducks May 19

Tampereen Raitiotie Oy announced that Maya Hahto’s Ankkaratikka (literally “Duck Tram”) – a 37.3‑metre tram wrap covered in cheerful yellow ducks – will debut on Tampere’s art tram on 19 May and remain in place for a year. The work replaces Ilai Elias Lehto’s Morottavat metsäneläimet (roughly “Waving Forest Animals”) on the vehicle’s exterior.

The design won an open competition that drew 347 submissions. A jury shortlisted 16 entries, and Hahto won the public vote in March 2025 with 9,738 votes. Tampereen Raitiotie Oy has run the art tram programme since 2021, rotating commissioned works every few years.

Hahto hopes the installation will “bring joy in all weather” and that the yellow ducks keep their colour even in winter slush. The idea grew from sticker motifs; she chose yellow so the characters stand out against the tram’s background and echo the city’s ducks. Although she no longer lives in Tampere, Hahto plans to ride the tram once it’s installed. She described the project as the largest she has made.

The art tram programme is produced by Tampereen Raitiotie Oy in cooperation with Pirkanmaan festivaalit ry. Spring 2026 events on the art tram include a children’s choir performance by Tactus on 20 May and poetry readings by Viitapiiri on 9 and 11 June. The programme has hosted pop‑up performances since 2022 and will present new works and events in future seasons.