Sibelius Monument, Helsinki

Sibelius Monument, Helsinki

The Sibelius Monument is one of the most beautiful and yet controversial pieces of artwork in Finland. It was designed in tribute to Jean Sibelius, a famous Finnish Composer, and is located in the park in Helsinki that also bears his name, standing just outside the Bank of Finland.

The artwork was revealed to the local community in 1967, and almost immediately started a debate. The issue was that this piece was the first public abstract monument ever built in the whole country. Many people could not understand the purpose of such work. So, to appease some of these voices, an effigy of the famous Finn was also added.

The long steel pipes that make up the piece were designed to create a replication of the music that was written by the famous musician. It is made up of 600 pipes that are fashioned in wave-like sound patterns. The monument is quite large, measuring 8.5 by 10.5 by 6.5 meters, and weighs over 24 tons. If you happen to do any tours on your stay in Helsinki, you will no doubt pass by this place. It is so famous that you can find replicas in New York and Paris, France.

Why You Should Visit:
Interesting from every angle!

Tip:
How much you enjoy this probably depends on when you decide to visit. With the sun setting and casting interesting light across the sculpture and nearby lake, it's a good place to stop for a few minutes.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Helsinki. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sibelius Monument on Map

Sight Name: Sibelius Monument
Sight Location: Helsinki, Finland (See walking tours in Helsinki)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Helsinki, Finland

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Among the notable attractions here are...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

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