Composer Jean Sibelius is undoubtedly one of the greatest national heroes in Finland. His recognition came with the Kullervo symphony, which was followed by a series of compositions inspired by the national epic Kalevala. " I think Kalevala is a modern work. It is all music, the theme and the variations ", Sibelius said. His orchestral work Finlandia (1900) captures the Finnish landscape and mentality in the fight against Russian oppression. Like many artists of the time, Sibelius moved away from Helsinki and built a Villa Ainola, in the peaceful countryside, where he could concentrate on his music. In Helsinki, Sibelius would sometimes spend days in Restaurant Kämp, engaged in spirited conversations with Akseli Gallen-Kallela and other artists.

Ainola, Tuusula Sibelius Museum, Turku
Hämeenlinna Historical Museum