Urho Kekkosen muistomerkki, Presidential monument in Kajaani, Finland.
The Urho Kekkonen Monument stands in the center of Kajaani with an abstract design created by sculptor Pekka Kauhanen. It rises about 8 meters and features a modern sculptural form that stands out distinctly in the surrounding urban space.
The monument was unveiled on September 3, 1990, coinciding with the 90th birthday of a former president who led Finland from 1956 to 1982. Its creation came several years after this person had left office.
This memorial represents the first presidential monument erected outside Helsinki, showing the deep ties between a former president and the Kainuu region. The placement here reflects how important this person was to local identity and memory.
The monument sits in Urho Kekkonen Park near the city center and functions as a natural meeting point. It is easy to reach and well integrated into the surroundings, making it simple to discover during a walk through the city.
The monument design, named 'Suuri Aika' meaning 'Great Time', was chosen through an open competition among artists. The selected work incorporates subtle elements from a person's life in this region, giving it deeper meaning beyond a simple tribute.
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