The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is a unique, beautiful and somewhat controversial sculpture. Here’s all the info you need for visiting.
How To Get To The Sibelius Monument
Sibelius Monument is located in Sibelius Park in the district of Toolo, on the outskirts of Helsinki.
By Foot:
It’s about a 30 – 40 minute walk from the city centre, which is easily doable in the summer.
However might be a little cold in the winter so make sure you wrap up warm!
By Bus:
The local bus will get you there in just 10 minutes.
There is a direct bus that departs every 30 minutes from Hanken in the city, to Linnankoskenkatu in Toolo.
If you are planning on using public transport you can buy a Helsinki City Card, which allows unlimited use of Helsinki public transport for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
By Tour:
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
A popular tour that visits the Sibelius Monument is the Helsinki Half-Day City Tour.
Alternatively, jump on the Helsinki: Hop-On Hop-Off 48-Hour Ticket which makes a stop at the Sibelius Monument, as well as all the other main attractions.
Sibelius Monument Entrance Fee
It is free to visit this monument.
Sibelius Monument Opening Times
The park where Sibelius Monument is located is open all day, every day.
Best Time To Visit Sibelius Monument + Tips
This is a popular tourist attraction, with many tours stopping off at the Monument. So, as always, early or later in the day is best if you want to avoid the crowds.
This a pretty, tranquil park with many trees and a lake and would be an ideal spot for a picnic, in the warmer weather, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Alternatively, if it’s cold, wrap up warm and enjoy a visit to the Sibelius Monument, a stroll around the park and a warming drink in the park cafe.
Also, sunset is recommended as a good time to capture some interesting photos, with the light reflecting off this unusual sculpture.
What To Pack
History of Sibelius Monument
Unveiled in 1967, the Sibelius Monument is a sculpture by pioneering Finnish artist Eila Hiltunen titled Passio Musicae or Passion for Music.
It is dedicated to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865 – 1957), who is regarded as Finland’s greatest composer.
However, this was the first public abstract monument to be seen in Finland and was received with mixed reactions. Some people felt it did not really reflect or honour Sibelius.
There was some confusion as to why it resembled organ pipes when Sibelius was not famous for composing music for organs.
In answer to this, and to placate the critics, Hiltunen added a large bust of Sibelius next to the main monument.
Interestingly, a smaller version of the Sibelius Monument is located at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
What To Expect At Sibelius Monument
Sibelius Monument is one of Helsinki’s most popular attractions and measuring 8.5 metres x 10.5 metes x 6.5 metres, you can’t miss this large, striking sculpture.
The unusually shaped monument sits in the pretty Sibelius Park and consists of a series of more than 600 hollow steel pipes welded together, in a wave like pattern, to form a kinetic musical structure.
On a blustery day, you may well be rewarded with musical sounds as the wind blows across the openings of the pipes.
Alternatively, when it’s not so windy, if you get up close to the openings of the lower pipes you should still be able to hear some musical sounds.
Although it’s a little walk outside of the main city centre, it’s a definite option when looking for things to do in Helsinki.
It’s also just a few minutes walk away from the famous Cafe Regatta which is definitely worth a visit whilst you are so close.
When we visited the monument there had been a fresh fall of snow and Sibelius Park looked calm and beautiful. There’s also a cosy cafe in the park to get some drinks, warm up and enjoy the tranquility.
If you are interested in finding out more, there is a detailed Helsinki and Suomenlinna 5-Hour Sightseeing Tour that includes a visit to the Sibelius monument. It also takes you to other places of interest such as Esplanade Park and Suomenlinna and dives into the history of the area.
Sibelius Monument is a unique and striking sculpture that shouldn’t be missed if visiting Helsinki.
Where To Stay In Helsinki
Luxury – Hotel Kämp
Established in 1887 as Finland’s grand hôtel, Hotel Kämp is located in the heart of Helsinki opposite the beautiful Esplanade park.
The hotel features 179 spacious rooms, 15 of which are luxurious suites.
The spacious rooms combine historical elegance with high-quality facilities. All rooms feature comfortable beds, marble bathrooms and Chromecast-streaming systems.
Guests can also order in-room dining and enjoy the lovely view over the park, the city or the inner courtyard.
The Brasserie Kämp a la carte menu boasts a wide range of European dishes and an extensive list of beverages.
Mid-Budget – Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Featuring the Plaza Restaurant, this historical hotel from 1917 is next to Kaisaniemi Park, 150 yards from Helsinki Central Station.
All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker and Magic Dream beds with a pillow menu. All rooms also come with Finnish design items. Some rooms offer city views.
Free fitness centre access and modern air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi are all available.
Plaza Restaurant also serves drinks, while snacks and light dishes are available at the 24-hour lobby bar. Room service is also available all day long.
Budget – Eurohostel
Located on Helsinki’s Katajanokka island, this hostel is a 5-minute tram ride from the city centre.
Eurohostel’s fresh, simple rooms have shared bathroom facilities. Additional communal areas include kitchens and lounge rooms.
Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet onsite. Eurohostel’s lobby also has vending machines with drinks and snacks. T
he 24-hour reception sells city passes and tickets to attractions. Staff can also recommend area activities.
Kauppatori Market Square is 10 minutes‘ walk away. It offers guest kitchens, free WiFi and a free morning sauna.
Bed sheets and towels are also inclusive of your stay.
For more places to stay in Helsinki, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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Trip sponsored by My Helsinki
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