The equestrian statue of Mannerheim, created by sculptor Aimo Tukiainen by voluntary contributions of citizens, was erected in 1960. The statue is made of bronze. The height of the monument with the pedestal of red granite is 11.5 meters.
There was a lot of controversy that a futuristic building of the Helsinki Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma was erected near the monument to Mannerheim in 1998. It was even suggested that the monument should be moved, but it did not happen, and bronze marshal now stands against the background of an X-shaped building, created by the American architect Holl (hence the name "Kiasma"). Helsinki "Night of the Arts" is celebrated there every year in late August, with performances of youth bands and musicians. The building impresses visitors with transparent ceilings, ramps, sloping walls. The museum’s collection includes about four thousand exhibits both traditional and ultra-modern art. There is avant-garde theater Kiasma in the museum.
On the left side of the street, in front of the monument to Mannerheim, there is a long low white building. The abundance of glass on the facades explains the name of the edifice - Glass Palace. The building is in the functionalist style. It was built in 1935 by a group of architects led by Revelle, the builder of Stockmann’s department store. The building underwent a major renovation in 1998, and now hosts shops, cafés and a media center.
Behind the Glass Palace, in front of the public garden, there is a sculpture dedicated to the memory of Finnish President Juho Kusti Paasikivi, who succeeded Mannerheim in his high office. Two black granite stone blocks of different sizes represent the East and West. The president is equally sought to maintain good relationships with both of them. Perhaps the artistic decision was influenced by the fact that the part of the president’s name literally means "stone". Instead of the official name "East-West", the Helsinki residents often called the monument "he-she", meaning that "he" - the short Paasikivi, and "she" - his tall spouse.
A little further stands the Finnish Parliament House. It was built in 1931 by architect Siren in the style of monumental classicism, and was supposed to symbolize the independence of Finland. There are stairs leading to the building, which stands on rising ground. Its walls are clad in red granite from the village Kalvola. The main facade is decorated with 14 Corinthian columns. The Parliament Houses gives the impression of power, confidence and strength.
By European standards, Finland is a very young country, and one of the youngest European nations. The declaration of independence was proclaimed a hundred years ago, on December 6, 1917. The Independence Day is a national holiday and one of the most solemn holidays in Finland. The official celebration begins with the traditional ceremony of raising the national flag. On this day, the flags are raised not only in all public institutions, but also in private homes.
The festive service in the Helsinki Cathedral begins at noon. A traditional student torchlight procession takes place in the city center in the evening. It starts with the lighting of candles on the graves and memorials of Presidents of Finland and ends with the rally on the Senate Square. An evening reception at the presidential palace is the culmination of the celebration. This event is always televised.
Let’s continue walking straight ahead
There was a lot of controversy that a futuristic building of the Helsinki Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma was erected near the monument to Mannerheim in 1998. It was even suggested that the monument should be moved, but it did not happen, and bronze marshal now stands against the background of an X-shaped building, created by the American architect Holl (hence the name "Kiasma"). Helsinki "Night of the Arts" is celebrated there every year in late August, with performances of youth bands and musicians. The building impresses visitors with transparent ceilings, ramps, sloping walls. The museum’s collection includes about four thousand exhibits both traditional and ultra-modern art. There is avant-garde theater Kiasma in the museum.
On the left side of the street, in front of the monument to Mannerheim, there is a long low white building. The abundance of glass on the facades explains the name of the edifice - Glass Palace. The building is in the functionalist style. It was built in 1935 by a group of architects led by Revelle, the builder of Stockmann’s department store. The building underwent a major renovation in 1998, and now hosts shops, cafés and a media center.
Behind the Glass Palace, in front of the public garden, there is a sculpture dedicated to the memory of Finnish President Juho Kusti Paasikivi, who succeeded Mannerheim in his high office. Two black granite stone blocks of different sizes represent the East and West. The president is equally sought to maintain good relationships with both of them. Perhaps the artistic decision was influenced by the fact that the part of the president’s name literally means "stone". Instead of the official name "East-West", the Helsinki residents often called the monument "he-she", meaning that "he" - the short Paasikivi, and "she" - his tall spouse.
A little further stands the Finnish Parliament House. It was built in 1931 by architect Siren in the style of monumental classicism, and was supposed to symbolize the independence of Finland. There are stairs leading to the building, which stands on rising ground. Its walls are clad in red granite from the village Kalvola. The main facade is decorated with 14 Corinthian columns. The Parliament Houses gives the impression of power, confidence and strength.
By European standards, Finland is a very young country, and one of the youngest European nations. The declaration of independence was proclaimed a hundred years ago, on December 6, 1917. The Independence Day is a national holiday and one of the most solemn holidays in Finland. The official celebration begins with the traditional ceremony of raising the national flag. On this day, the flags are raised not only in all public institutions, but also in private homes.
The festive service in the Helsinki Cathedral begins at noon. A traditional student torchlight procession takes place in the city center in the evening. It starts with the lighting of candles on the graves and memorials of Presidents of Finland and ends with the rally on the Senate Square. An evening reception at the presidential palace is the culmination of the celebration. This event is always televised.
Let’s continue walking straight ahead
