Monuments in Äänekoski

Statues and monuments in the Äänekoski area

Statue of Kalle Piilonen

Piilonen, also nicknamed the Emperor of Äänekoski, was an important figure in the history of Äänekoski. Kalle Piilonen (1844–1919) worked in Äänekoski as a log driver, boatman, farmer, Member of Parliament, and the founder of the first elementary school in Äänekoski.

The statue of Kalle Piilonen, sculpted by artist Nora Tapper in 1996, is located in Itsenäisyyden puisto.

Address: Kuhnamontie–Tehtaankatu, Äänekoski

Kasvu-reliefi

Next to the main entrance of the red brick City Hall is the Kasvu-reliefi, designed by sculptor Veikko Hirvimäki and completed in 1985, depicting the development of the locality.

Address: Hallintokatu 4, Äänekoski

Kauppiasmuistomerkki

The memorial to Äänekoski’s old merchant families was made by Veikko Hirvimäki in 1980 from the foundation stones of the well-known Wessmannin kauppa. Step among these stones to feel the shop atmosphere that still emanates from them today. Kauppiasmuistomerkki is located in Wessmannin puisto, opposite the city museum.

Address: Äänekoskentie 304, Äänekoski

Lastaajat-veistos

The bronze Lastaajat-veistos stands in the yard of Wanhan Aseman. Sculptor Tapio Junno made it in 1982 for the city’s 50th anniversary. The work honors the timber loaders of Suolahti.

Address: Torikatu 1, Suolahti

Paperipuu ui -patsas

Made by Jussi Koivusalo in 1982, the Paperipuu ui -patsas symbolizes the mills’ great significance in the birth and development of Äänekoski. The statue stands in Keskuspuisto in front of City Hall.

Address: Hallintokatu 2, Äänekoski

Urheiluhullut-reliefi

The Urheiluhullut-reliefi was completed on the exterior wall of the Liikuntatalo in Äänekoski’s jubilee year 1982. It had won the relief competition for the Liikuntatalo facade.

Äänekosken Huima did very well in basketball. The young Taideakatemia student and sculptor Antti Nordin got the impression that people in Äänekoski loved sports. Thus he titled the work Urheiluhullut “in a good-natured sense”.

Address: Koulumäenkatu 2, Äänekoski

Mikonpuisto and the memorial stone of Mikko Niskanen

Mikonpuisto and Mikko Niskanen’s memorial stone are located at the site of the nationally known film director’s birthplace, right next to the Liikuntatalo. The park was established in memory of the legendary director, who died in 1990. Mikko Niskanen’s well-known films include Pojat (1962), Käpy selän alla (1966), Kahdeksan surmanluotia (1972), and Mona ja palavan rakkauden aika (1983).

Address: Mikonraitti