In Vyborg, in the area of ​​the Old Town Hall is a monument to the city's founder, Swedish marshal Torkel Knutsson. This was the first monument in the city. The bronze sculpture was designed by Ville Vallgrena in October 1908, she stood for 40 years, and then in 1948 was dismantled. The monument was badly damaged, but not yet subjected to further melting. Knutsson monument was restored in 1993, 2 years later, he was recognized as a cultural heritage, but the registry so it never made.

Initiate the installation of the monument resident of Vyborg, an amateur historian, architect Jakob Arenberg (1847-1914). He made an enormous contribution to the restoration of the Vyborg Castle, contributed to the fact that the history of the city not only wore a documentary, but also a romantic character. Arenberg was absolutely sure in the historical accuracy of the installation of the monument Knutsson, considers it essential to preserve local history.

The sculptor Valgrenom Arenberg met when he was looking for work. He consulted with friends and decided to order his sculpture Knutsson. The work of the architect has been estimated at 2200 marks. On the literary meeting held in December 1884, it was launched to raise funds for the erection of the monument. Then we gathered only 300 marks. Jacob Arenberg create a project of reconstruction of the area. Then he did a really great job, making the measurement of the old buildings of the city. Turning to public Arenberg has collected more money, and Vallgren begun work on a model of the monument.

The first model quickly came into disrepair - rassohlas and cracked clay. The architect went to work on a new, cost of which was significantly more than the previous. It was just the first problem. The proposal to establish a monument in Vyborg Swede Conqueror met with strong opposition from the military commandant of the city Major General ML Dukhonin, which, though not so vehemently, supported by Governor General Heiden. On the installation of the monument Knutsson many newspapers of the time.

Ville Valgren returned to Paris. There he continued to work on the monument in his studio on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. By 1887 preparatory work was completed, and in 1888 a plaster cast has been delivered to the customer in Vyborg. There he exhibited in the local museum.

Permission for the installation of the monument has not been received. And the saddest thing, requests Arenberg and his followers became the basis for the decree of Emperor Alexander III to ban the erection of any monuments without the personal permission of the sovereign.

The issue began to be resolved positively only after he died in Vyborg pharmacist Johann Kasimir von Tsveygberg, bequeathed to the city 167 000 FIM. This admission to the city treasury has created a special fund, the funds from which went to the jewelery of Vyborg and 30,000 transferred to the casting of the monument Knutsson. In addition, a strike in 1905 has diverted power from the petty cares.

Permission for the construction of the monument was given by Emperor Nicholas II. The monument was cast in bronze in Paris under the supervision of Valgren. Architect Carl Segershtadt was invited to design the pedestal.

Preparation Square Old Town Hall for the installation of the monument and reconstruction began in the spring 1908 opening of the monument to the founder of Vyborg took place September 21, 1908 immediately after the event in the press began debate on this issue, during which, on the one hand, said that the monument is Russian insult to national dignity, and on the other that Knutsson Russia is not the enemy, as he fought with Novgorod Republic, in his time had not yet come to Russia.

After 2 years in the city erected a monument to Peter I. He stands on the side opposite Knutsson.

During the Great Patriotic War, the city has repeatedly passed under the jurisdiction of the warring parties. The monument remained in the same place. But in 1948 it was removed from the square. 30 years later, he was found in a barn plant improvement. He was taken to the Museum of Vyborg Castle, where it was stored in the cellars.

With funding from charitable foundation, the monument was restored in 1991. The work led architect I. Kacherin sculptor Vladimir Dimov, granitčik M. Safonov.

By the 700th anniversary of the Vyborg Castle, the monument was reopened.