Lentoon: A Floating Avian Sculpture

Lentoon, meaning "take flight," is a captivating sculpture that graces the waters off Yliopistonranta in Kuopio's Savilahti area. Created in 1982 by architect Markku Viitasalo, the floating avian form has become a symbol of the city. Viitasalo, known for his advocacy of timber construction, also designed public sculptures in Helsinki and Mikkeli. The sculpture was renovated in 2021, adding colored lights designed by Reittitiimi Oy in collaboration with the Circle of Light project. These lights illuminate the sculpture, accentuating its form and creating a dynamic visual experience, especially during holidays and special events. Lentoon represents the Savilahti area's transformation into a hub for education, business, and residential life. The Savilahti district, located near the city center, is a growing area with the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, and the Kuopio Science Park. The sculpture serves as a visual reminder of the area's significance and its ongoing development.