Snellman Square

Snellman Square in the district of Kruununhaka lies between Rauhankatu and Kirkkokatu, on Snellmaninkatu. The statue in front of the Bank of Finland is of J.V. Snellman (1806-81), a 19th century Finnish statesman and the leading philosopher in the national awakening of the 19th century.

On the opposite side of the street is the House of Estates, nowadays used by the Government for official occasions. It was built in 1891 as the meeting place for the three non-noble Estates, the Clergy, the Burghers and the Peasants, who used it until 1906. The sculpture frieze on the tympanum shows Emperor Alexander I surrounded by the heads of the Estates and symbols of faith and justice.

The Bank of Finland on Snellman Square was designed in 1876-83 in the manner of a Renaissance palace. It was felt to be only right for the Bank to occupy imposing premises following the industrial and economic expansion of the late 19th century.