Kaisaniemi
 Helsinki's
oldest park dates back to the beginning of the 19th century.
It was first referred to as a public walking place or common.
The park quickly became popular. In 1829 the northeast corner
was turned over to the university for a botanical garden.
The oldest existing glasshouse is the Palm Room, which was
designed by Gustaf Nyström and completed in 1889.
 In
1827 Catharina "Kaisa" Wahllund started a coffee
buffet in the park. This was such a big success that she decided
to establish her own restaurant. The new restaurant also achieved
popularity and its customers included many influential 19th
century figures.
 The
university tradition of ushering in the spring with student
songs, which can be traced back to the Turku Academy, was
revived in the park. After the Russian tsar banned May Day
festivities, students began to celebrate the 1st of May as
Kaisa's birthday. They sang to Kaisa and this tradition continues
to this day. The park is named after Kaisa Wahllund.
Photographs:
- The oldest glasshouse at the Botanical Garden dates from
1889 and was designed by Gustaf Nyström.
The bronze sculpture depicting two eagles was created by Bertel
Nilsson in 1913.
Photographer: Mika Lappalainen, Helsinki City Information
Office.
- Kaisaniemi Park on 6 May 2002. Photographer M.L.
Students' May Day celebration in Kaisaniemi.
Photo: Helsinki City Museum's photo archives.
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