The Theme of Peace in Suomenlinna
In October 2025, the light installation Displaced by Alexander Reichstein will be displayed in Suomenlinna’s church park. The theme of peace is reflected in many events held at this World Heritage Site.
World Heritage Sites represent the shared cultural and natural heritage of humanity. Their preservation promotes international understanding and peace. UNESCO’s World Heritage programme supports the idea of peace by protecting places that tell stories of human history, diversity, and shared values. Suomenlinna, one of Finland’s seven World Heritage Sites, also reminds us of the importance of cultural heritage in building community and dialogue.
Reichstein’s Displaced can be experienced in the church park from 10 October to 2 November 2025 during dark evening hours. The lights and soundscape of the installation are activated at dusk. The route of the artwork runs through the park, following a path from the main street toward the church.
The installation features dozens of glowing refugee figures walking toward the unknown. It is accompanied by a soundscape created by Petri Laaksonen. The artist describes the work as follows:
“This spatial artwork addresses the flow of Ukrainian refugees caused by Russia’s war of aggression. It reminds us that people from countries now hosting Ukrainian evacuees have also fled wars in the past. Alongside Ukrainian refugees, the figures include Finnish evacuees from 1939, Soviet citizens from 1941, Germans from 1945, and other refugees from the Second World War. Over 50 life-sized, fluorescent figures are based on real photographs. The soundscape mixes footsteps, distant bombing sounds, and refugee stories told in various languages.”
In addition to Displaced, other peace-themed events and gatherings will take place in Suomenlinna throughout October. The installation will also be part of the Viaporin Kekri event on Saturday, 1 November 2025.