Parikkalan patsaspuisto
The Parikkala Sculpture Park in Koitsanlahti is an ITE art (Finnish outsider art) work created by Veijo Rönkkönen, with about 560 concrete sculptures and a garden.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Parikkalan Patsaspuisto in Koitsanlahti is Finland’s best-known ITE art work. Veijo Rönkkönen (1944–2010) created it over more than 50 years on a plot of just over half a hectare, and the result is about 560 concrete sculptures and a lush garden. The sculptures and the garden form a whole that is also regarded internationally as the artistic work of a single person. Rönkkönen received the Taiteen Suomi (Art of Finland) award for his life’s work in 2007.
The park’s sculptures depict exotic subjects, animals, plants and people from foreign cultures. Along the yard path there is a row of grotesque, caricature-like portraits, and the spiritual centre of the park is the Joogatarha (Yoga Garden), with about 250 yoga figures. In the artist’s final years, children’s sculptures were also made, depicting playing and sporting children.
After Rönkkönen’s death in 2010 the future of the park was uncertain. Industrial Counsellor (teollisuusneuvos) Reino Uusitalo bought the park in 2011. The practical work is now carried out by the park steward (puistopehtoori) and the Kulttuuriyhdistys Maailmanpylväs ry (Maailmanpylväs Cultural Association). The park receives no public funding; its upkeep is financed by admission fees and product sales.
Highlights
- About 560 concrete sculptures and a lush garden
- Joogatarha (Yoga Garden) with about 250 yoga figures
- Children’s sculptures and grotesque portraits along the yard path
- Open at all times; visits are possible at any time of day
- Park shop in summer
- Founded
- 1961
- Operated by
- Kulttuuriyhdistys Maailmanpylväs ry
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €3 |
| Groups (20+ people) | –Groups of more than 20 people (up to one bus) €120 per group. |
| Families | €15Two adults and children under 15. |
| Group ticket (more than 20 people, up to one bus) | €120Price per group. |
| Season ticket | €20Available from the online shop or from the park shop when it is open. |
The admission fee can be paid in cash into the collection post, or by bank card or cash at the park shop. The Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) is no longer accepted for admission. Admission fees support the upkeep of the park.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Parikkalan rautatieasema
Helsinki–Joensuu trains stop at Parikkala, but there is no local transport to Koitsanlahti. It is 8 km to the centre of Parikkala.
By car
Parking available
A car can be parked at the adjacent rest area, from which there is a direct route to the park.
The park is located at Koitsanlahti in Parikkala, about 50 km north of Imatra.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The park shop is open in June, July and August and during events, and the online shop operates all year round.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
