In Esplanadi Park on Pohjoisesplanadi, this memorial honours Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the Finland-Swedish poet and priest who wrote the words of Finland’s national anthem. His bronze figure stands above a granite base, with a female figure representing Finland holding a tablet inscribed with verses. Take time to look at the sculpture, then walk through the park’s central section, where rose bushes, crab apple trees, aspen trees and other monuments line the paths. Flowers bloom around the memorial from spring into autumn.
The poet and the sculptor
Johan Ludvig Runeberg was a Finland-Swedish author, national poet and priest. His son Walter Runeberg designed and sculpted the memorial. The bronze figure shows the poet in a priest’s coat, raised on a granite base.
A female figure representing Finland holds a tablet inscribed with verses from the national anthem. Look closely at the figures and tablet to see how the monument connects the poet with Finnish identity.
The memorial in Esplanadi Park
The statue stands in the central part of Esplanadi Park, among rose bushes, crab apple trees, aspens and other monuments. Flowers bloom around it from spring into autumn. In winter, illuminated animal figures bring a different seasonal detail to the setting.
The park is also used for picnics and live entertainment in summer. After seeing the memorial, follow the paths to explore the surrounding green space and its other statues.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Johan Ludvig Runeberg memorial?
It is in Esplanadi Park in central Helsinki, at Pohjoisesplanadi 29.
Who made the memorial?
Walter Runeberg designed and sculpted it. The bronze figure depicts his father, Johan Ludvig Runeberg.
What is inscribed on the tablet?
The tablet held by the female figure representing Finland carries verses from the national anthem.
When do flowers bloom around the memorial?
Flowers bloom around the statue from spring into autumn.
