Helsinki's Sibelius Monument

After the Temppeliaukion Kirkko, we rode the bus en route to the Sibelius Monument. This is one of the coolest monuments I've ever seen. You can sit and stare at this structure the whole day and let your mind surmise its meaning or its significance. A monument to honor national composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), the monument at first glance reminds me of a pipe organ. Maybe I was compelled to think so since Sibelious is a composer of music. This monument was a result of two competitions added with a heated public debate. In the end, it was Eila Hiltunen who won the competition and was commissioned to build this monument.

Sibelius Monument was unveiled on September 7, 1967.

Apparently, this wasn't part of Hiltunen's design. The Monument Committee requested a "figurative element" to be added - Sibelius' face during his creative age. This face was drawn by architect Juhani Kivikoski.

...the Sibelius Monument consists of approx. 600 acid-proof stainless steel tubes of various diameters, welded together individually and hand-textured by Eila Hiltunen. While several specialists were consulted on metallurgy, structural calculations and welding methods, the physical accomplishment of this structure, which measures 10.5 (length) by 6.5 (depth) by 8.5 (height) meters and weighs 30 tons, is the work of two people, Eila Hiltunen and assistant-metalworker Emil Kukkonen.(Source)

After visiting the Sibelius Park, we walked towards the back and found this peaceful lake.

Helsinki's weather in June is mild and pleasant. Given more time, I would have gladly spent my day having a picnic here.

Cafe by the lake.

And if you're paying attention, I've got new sneakers :).

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As many of you have noticed, kayni's corner cafe is becoming my travel journal. I've decided to make it a full time travel blog and if ever you're still interested to read some of my personal ramblings, they'd be posted at kassidy's notes. Thank you so much for always reading and commenting.