The Sibelius Monument, in the Taka-Töölö district, commemorates Finland's best-known composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), who wrote the symphonic poem Finlandia. Initially controversial, the monument is a distinctive abstract construction of hollow metal pipes, chosen after a design competition in 1961-62.
The monument now holds a special place in the affections of the Finns. A scale replica of the sculpture is to be found outside the UNESCO Palace in Paris.