- raycarstairs
- First Reviewer
- 3 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 3
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12
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Editor Pick
The Sibelius Monument - A Note-able Sight
- October 7, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
fizzytom from Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
This is a two piece monument to Jean Sibelius, Finland's most famous classical composer. He was born in Finland in 1865 and died in 1957. His body lay in state in Helsinki Cathedral and over 17000 people filed past his body to pay their respects.
The monument stands in the Sibelius Park (Sibeliuspuisto) in the Töölö district of Helsinki. We walked there from the Olympic Stadium but you may be able to get a bus that way. Ask at Tourist Information. When we were there all the visitors there had stepped off a coach and got a five minute photo opportunity before being herded back on board to the next spot. Try to go early in the day or late afternoon if you want to see this sight without the crowds. We found the Japanese tourists noisy and they spent ages taking pictures oblivious to the fact that other people wanted to take snaps too.
The monument was created by Finnish artist Eila Hiltunen and it unveiled in 1967. One part is a sculpture of Sibelius's face, the other a collection of different sized pipes, a bit like the pipes of a church organ. There are actually more than 600 - we lost count but it's amazing to know the number because there don't look on first glance to be that many. Originally the monument was going to consist only of the pipes but those against modern abstract art complained and so the sculpture of the composer's face was added.
It doesn't take long to see the monument and there is no information there - you get what you see and what you see is - in my opinion - a rather attractive and striking piece of art. As we were walking it was a little out of the way but it is certainly worth a trip for admirers of the man's music or people interested in art.
It stands in an attractive park, just across the road from one of the city's lakes and this makes a pleasant afternoon's stroll.
From journal Helsinki - a Sparkling Baltic Treasure
Sibelius Monument
- January 7, 2005
- Rated 3 of 5 by
Ksu from Malmo, Sweden
With no doubt, when you are in Helsinki, you should visit the Sibelius Monument. It was constructed in honour of the outstanding Finnish composer.
Read more about Jean Sibelius.
From journal Weekend in Helsinki !
Sibelius Monument
- October 5, 2002
- Rated 3 of 5 by
raycarstairs from Glasgow, Scotland
ALthough there is very little of interest to tourists in the North of the city, it's worth making the trip to Sibelius Park to see the monument to the composer. Sibelius is regarded as a national hero to the Finns and the sculpture is very fitting in a unique kind of way. The structure itself is quite beautiful and the textured steel tubes catch and reflect the sunlight as it changes. Make sure to wander both around and under the structure.
From journal Summer in Helsinki