Sibelius Monument, Finland - Monuments

Monuments

The Sibelius Monument was uncovered on September 7, 1967. One of Helsinki's landmarks, the memorial to honor national composer Jean Sibelius was the result of a community fundraising movement and a two-stage competition in 1961-62. At all stages, the mission stirred an unparalleled public debate, as the whole of the Finnish population seemed to be divided into two camps, the traditionalists urging for a metaphorical solution, and the modernists accepting an abstraction as well. Today, the Sibelius Monument is a must for travelers. The Sibelius Park has been the place of many special events, even if the artist has protected the unique nature of the location and resisted any form of commercialization.