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The Shipwrecked: A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
A powerful bronze sculpture in Helsinki's Ullanlinna, 'The Shipwrecked' evokes maritime history and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Shipwrecked (Haaksirikkoiset) is a bronze sculpture in Helsinki depicting a family struggling in a shipwreck. Created by Robert Stigell in the late 1890s, it stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of maritime history.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to The Shipwrecked
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tähtitorninkatu 2, Helsinki, 00130, FI
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Getting There
Walking
From Market Square (Kauppatori), walk south along Eteläranta, then turn left onto Tähtitorninkatu. Continue walking uphill; the sculpture will be on your left in the Tähtitorninmäki park. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport
Take tram 2 or 10 to the 'Olympiaterminaali' stop. From there, walk north on Tähtitorninkatu, approximately 5 minutes. The sculpture will be on your left within the park.
Taxi
A taxi or ride-share from Helsinki city center to Tähtitorninkatu 2 will typically cost between €10-€15, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. The journey usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid crowds.
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Take a moment to read the plaques accompanying the sculpture to fully appreciate its history and symbolism.
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Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby waterfront for stunning harbor views.
Discover more about The Shipwrecked
Located in the Ullanlinna district of Helsinki, The Shipwrecked (Haaksirikkoiset) is a compelling sculpture by Robert Stigell, erected in 1898. The bronze artwork portrays a family caught in a shipwreck, with the father holding a child and calling for help, while another child clings to wreckage and the mother lies collapsed.
Stigell's work isn't tied to a specific historical event but explores the dynamics of the subject. Over time, it has acquired symbolic meanings, including references to Finland's difficult political conditions during the Russian suppression. The sculpture faces west, a direction also open to interpretation.
The sculpture is the first outdoor sculpture in Helsinki that wasn't a memorial to a specific person or event. It is 4.5 meters high, reaching 6 meters with its granite pedestal. The sculpture is part of the City of Helsinki's art collection, managed by HAM (Helsinki Art Museum). Today, the sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of maritime history and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
A brief summary to The Shipwrecked
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