Johan Ludwig Runeberg was a 19th century Finnish poet. He also authored the country’s national anthem. This monument in Esplanade Park was cast in bronze by his son, Walter Runeberg. When the 26 foot statue was unveiled in 1885, an estimated 20,000 people attended the ceremony. The figure below holding a laurel wreath is the Maiden of Finland. Around the marble pedestal is a flowerbed which is replanted three times a year.
