Jusélius Mausoleum

Jusélius Mausoleum (Finnish: Juséliuksen mausoleumi) is one of the most famous sights in Pori, Finland, located at the 1884 opened Käppärä Cemetery. It is the only mausoleum in Finland and was completed in 1903.

Jusélius Mausoleum
LocationPori, Finland
Coordinates61°29′15.5″N 021°45′34″E
Elevation13 m (43 ft)
Built1901–1903
ArchitectJosef Stenbäck
Architectural style(s)Gothic Revival

Sigrid Juselius

The mausoleum was built by local businessman Fritz Arthur Jusélius (1855–1930) for his daughter Sigrid (1887–1898) to be her last place of rest. Sigrid died of tuberculosis at the age of eleven.[1] Her sarcophagus is placed in the basement of the mausoleum. It can be seen from the upper floor. The sarcophagus is made of white Italian marble and designed by architect Jarl Eklund.[2]

Fritz Arthur Jusélius himself is also buried in the mausoleum in its side wing. His two wives have their resting places outside the mausoleum.[3] The Sigrid Juselius Foundation was established in 1930 to promote medical research in Finland.[4]

Sigrid Juselius (1887–1898)

Mauseoleum

Juselius Mausoleum was built in 1901–1903. It was planned by Josef Stenbäck in the Gothic Revival style.[5] The famous Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela painted the interior, including frescoes "Kevät" (Spring), "Rakennus" (Construction), "Tuonelan joella" (By the River of Tuonela), "Hävitys" (Destruction), "Talvi" (Winter) and "Syksy" (Autumn). The original frescoes were destroyed by fire in 1931. They were repainted by Gallen-Kallela's son Jorma Gallen-Kallela in 1933–1939 based on preserved sketches and the mausoleum was opened again in 1941.[3] Decorations include Masonic symbolism since Akseli Gallen-Kallela and F.A. Jusélius both were dedicated Freemasons.

Another famous Finnish artist, Pekka Halonen, painted the frescoes on the vestibule. They were destroyed as well, but never repainted.[2] The door of the building is made of bronze; it was constructed by Finnish sculptor Alpo Sailo.

Juselius Mausoleum and the surrounding Käppärä Cemetery are listed as Cultural environments of national significance by the Finnish National Board of Antiquities.[2]

Gallen-Kallela (left) painting Spring in 1903

Frescos
  • Akseli Gallen-Kallela's original sketch for Spring, 1903
  • Sketch for Construction, 1903
  • Sketch for By the River of Tuonela, 1903
  • Sketch for Destruction, 1902
  • Sketch for Autumn, 1902
  • Sketch for Winter, 1902
  • Sketch for Cosmos, 1902
  • Dome of the mausoleum

References
  1. Juselius Mausoleum Lonely Planet. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  2. Juseliuksen mausoleumi ja Käppärän hautausmaa Finnish National Board of Antiquities. (in Finnish). Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  3. Sigrid Juséliuksen mausoleumi Evangelical Lutheran Parish of Pori. (in Finnish). Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  4. Sigrig Juselius Foundation Homepage Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  5. The Juselius Mausoleum City of Pori. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.