Three blacksmiths — Attraction in Helsinki sub-region

We were visiting Helsinki for the day on a cruise, and as we explored the city center, we came across the Three Smiths Statue—a truly iconic and unexpected highlight of our day. It's located right at the busy intersection of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie, near Stockmann, and you really can’t miss it.

The sculpture features three muscular blacksmiths hammering away at an anvil, frozen mid-motion. It’s such a dynamic and powerful scene, and the realism of the figures is impressive. There’s something about the energy and unity captured in bronze that really draws you in. The statue feels grounded and timeless, yet full of movement and meaning.

Created by Finnish sculptor Felix Nylund, the monument was unveiled in 1932. What’s especially interesting is that it’s not just a celebration of physical labor—it’s a symbol of cooperation, community, and the power of working together, which reflects Finnish values beautifully. Over the years, it’s also become a local meeting point and rallying spot, adding to its significance in Helsinki’s cultural life.

We were especially struck by how different it felt from typical European monuments. There’s no royal grandeur or religious symbolism—just a raw, honest tribute to working people. It was very different and enjoyable, and made a strong impression on all of us.

If you're strolling through the heart of Helsinki, this statue is definitely worth a stop. It adds a unique character to the city and tells a story without needing words. One of those simple yet powerful landmarks that really...

The “Three Smiths” statue, located at the intersection of Mannerheimintie and Aleksanterinkatu in Helsinki, is a well-known landmark representing the city’s industrial heritage. Created by Felix Nylund in 1932, this bronze sculpture depicts three muscular blacksmiths laboring over an anvil, symbolizing unity and cooperation in hard work.

Positives: The statue’s robust and realistic depiction of the blacksmiths effectively captures the essence of physical labor and craftsmanship. The location is central, making it an easily accessible and visible piece of public art. Its historical significance adds depth to Helsinki’s cultural landscape, reflecting a bygone era of industrial vigor.

Negatives: Despite its prominent placement, the “Three Smiths” statue struggles to engage the modern viewer beyond its initial impact. The surrounding area often appears cluttered and the statue can feel dwarfed by the commercial hustle and architecture around it. Over time, the sculpture’s surface has also shown signs of wear, which somewhat diminishes its visual appeal.

Conclusion: While the “Three Smiths” holds historical and artistic value, it lacks a compelling presence that resonates deeply with today’s audience. It remains a noteworthy, though somewhat overlooked, part of Helsinki’s urban fabric.

Would I recommend a visit? Yes, but primarily for those interested in Helsinki’s industrial history or public art...

The statue was commissioned by the Pro Helsingfors foundation, which donated it to the City of Helsinki. Felix Nylund (1878-1940) entered a sculpture with a smith theme in 1913 in the competition for the J.W. Snellman memorial. In 1919, Nylund made a drawing where the three smiths are placed on top of a 10-metre column. Although these early plans were never realized, Nylund reapplied the theme in the `The Three Smiths' which was to be placed in front of the Old Student House.

The `Three smiths' has been interpreted to symbolize, for instance, human labour and cooperation between people. The model for the master smith was Paavo Koskinen, a brick layer. The facial features are from the poet Arvid Mörne. The smith raising the hammer is a self-portrait of the young Nylund, while the third smith was modelled on the stone cutter Aku Nuutinen, an important assistant of Felix Nylund's. The statue is realistic with tones of Classicism. The statue is cast in bronze and its pedestal is red granite. The Latin text "MONUMENTUM - PONENDUM - CURAVIT - LEGATUM - J. TALLBERGIANUM - PRO HELSINGFORS A.D. MCMXXXII" is inscribed on the pedestal. The work belongs to the collections of the...