Helsingin 450-vuotismitali / Medal commemorating the 450th anniversary of the founding of Helsinki

In celebration of the 450th anniversary of its founding, the City of Helsinki organised a competition for a commemorative medal in 2000. The winning entry was History by the sculptor Hannele Kylänpää. The bronze medal depicts the arrival of the new inhabitants and the newly founded town.

The City of Helsinki gave these medals to deserving inhabitants and guests in 2000. One of the recipients was the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, who participated in the anniversary celebrations together with Queen Silvia and Princess Victoria.

Both sides of the medal were enlarged into bronze reliefs and hung on the outer wall of the Vuosaari House cultural centre. The house was a gift from the City to distinguished artists from Helsinki to commemorate the anniversary year. The house is run by a foundation dedicated to the purpose. Another pair of reliefs can be found on the wall of the entrance hall of the City Council on Aleksanterinkatu street. The reliefs do not belong to the collections of the Helsinki Art Museum