Veljmies Statue, Bronze sculpture in Kauppatori marketplace, Kuopio, Finland
The Veljmies is a bronze sculpture positioned at the eastern end of Kuopio's Kauppatori marketplace, surrounded by a fountain area that frames the work. The piece displays careful craftsmanship and occupies a central location in this busy square.
The artist Heikki Konttinen created this sculpture in 1959 following his victory in a competition for private entrepreneurs held in Kuopio two years earlier. The work was commissioned to mark the city's anniversary celebration.
The figure embodies the connection between business spirit and community life as experienced by people using the marketplace today. It marks a gathering spot where locals and visitors naturally converge throughout the year.
The statue sits at Kauppakatu 45 in central Kuopio and is easily reached on foot, being located on a busy marketplace surrounded by shops and cafes. The area remains open to the public year-round without entry restrictions.
The sculpture was created at a moment when the artist was establishing himself as an important figure in Finnish art, displaying characteristics of mid-century artistic movements. Over time it became a focal point where the city organizes local festivals and community events.
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