Crescendo / A Memorial to those who fell in the 1918

Crescendo is a bronze and granite memorial in Taka-Töölö featuring wave-like formations with protruding human heads emerging from abstract forms. The design creates a powerful emotional effect through its sculptural composition.

This memorial was created in 1970 by sculptor Taisto Martiskainen to honor those who died during the Finnish Civil War of 1918. It emerged as an artistic response to one of the defining events in Finland's early history.

The memorial incorporates verses from poets Maiju Lassila, Elmer Diktonius, and Elvi Sinervo alongside passages from the socialist anthem Internationale. These literary inclusions give visitors a deeper connection to the cultural voices of that period.

The monument stands in an open area of Taka-Töölö, allowing visitors to view both the front and back with their inscriptions from different angles. The accessible location makes visiting feasible at any time of day.

The sculpture features distorted faces intertwined with wave patterns that represent the progression from oppression toward freedom. This ascending design makes the narrative of liberation visually apparent to those who observe it.

Location: Helsinki

Inception: 1970

Creator: Taisto Martiskainen

Made from material: bronze, granite

Website: https://hamhelsinki.fi/sculpture/crescendo-vuoden-1918-kansalaissodan-uhrien-muistomerkki-taisto-martiskainen

GPS coordinates: 60.19076,24.92538

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47