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Urho Kekkonen Memorial: A Tribute to a Finnish President

Reflect on Finnish history at the Urho Kekkonen Memorial, a tribute to a pivotal president, featuring a symbolic sculpture in a peaceful park setting.

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The Urho Kekkonen Memorial, also known as Lähde ('Spring'), is a monument dedicated to Urho Kekkonen, who served as Finland's president from 1956 to 1982. Designed by sculptor Pekka Jylhä, it features a reflective pool and four bronze hands atop pillars, symbolizing Kekkonen's impact on Finnish society.

A brief summary to Urho Kekkonen Memorial

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk in the nearby parks to enjoy the Finnish landscape.
  • Take time to read the informational plaques to fully appreciate the historical context of the memorial.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Helsinki Central Station, take Tram 4 towards 'Tölö'. Ride for 4 stops and get off at 'Mannerheimintie'. Walk south on Mannerheimintie for about 5 minutes; the Urho Kekkonen Memorial will be on your left at Mannerheimintie 36. A single tram ticket costs approximately €3.

  • Walking

    If you are near Helsinki Central Park, walk south towards Mannerheimintie. Once you reach Mannerheimintie, turn left and continue walking for about 15 minutes. The Urho Kekkonen Memorial will be on your left at Mannerheimintie 36.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Helsinki. A taxi ride from Helsinki Central Station to the Urho Kekkonen Memorial, located on Mannerheimintie 36, typically costs between €10-€20, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi fares generally start at €1.30 per kilometer.

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Discover more about Urho Kekkonen Memorial

Located in Hakasalmi Park, next to Finlandia Hall, the Urho Kekkonen Memorial is a striking tribute to one of Finland's most influential presidents. Urho Kekkonen served as president from 1956 to 1982, shaping Finland's foreign and domestic policies during the Cold War era. The memorial, designed by sculptor Pekka Jylhä, was unveiled on September 3, 2000, marking the centennial of Kekkonen's birth. The monument is called 'Lähde' which translates to 'Spring'. It features a stainless steel pool, illuminated from below, and four bronze hands set on top of 8-meter-high posts. The pool's surface area is over 60 m2, with a maximum depth of approximately 1 meter. To prevent freezing, the water is constantly circulated and heated. Jylhä explains that Kekkonen used his hands to express himself and to think matters through, writing everything by hand, including his letters. The monument provides a serene space for reflection on Kekkonen's legacy and the themes of renewal and continuity. Visitors can also scan a QR code near the memorial to watch a short film about the president.

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