Havis Amanda
Havis Amanda is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Helsinki audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~20 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type monument
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Helsinki Helsinki guide
About Havis Amanda
A bronze mermaid rising from the water at the market's edge, Havis Amanda scandalised Helsinki in 1908 and is now crowned with a student cap every May Day eve.
Havis Amanda is a bronze fountain-statue at the western edge of Market Square, the work of the Finnish sculptor Ville Vallgren. He modelled it in Paris in 1906 and it was erected on the square in 1908, unveiled on 20 September that year. The figure is a nude mermaid rising from the water on seaweed, with four fish spouting water at her feet and four sea lions around the granite basin. Vallgren intended her to symbolise the rebirth of Helsinki, rising from the sea.
The figure stands about 1.94 metres tall, roughly 5 metres including the pedestal. Vallgren called the work Merenneito, the Mermaid; the name Havis Amanda came from Finland-Swedish newspapers, and she is nicknamed Manta. Her nudity provoked strong criticism at the unveiling. Each year on the eve of May Day, students crown her with a white student cap, and she is a traditional gathering point for celebrations of major Finnish sporting victories.
Did you know? Vallgren called his statue simply Merenneito, the Mermaid; the name Havis Amanda was popularised by Finland-Swedish newspapers, and Helsinki now affectionately calls her Manta, three names for one bronze woman.
How long should you spend at Havis Amanda?
Plan about ~20 min at Havis Amanda. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Havis Amanda worth visiting?
Havis Amanda is one of the 21 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Helsinki, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Helsinki
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Havis Amanda and read more:
Day 1 of the Helsinki in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Havis Amanda
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