For the past year, conservationists have been working to bring Havis Amada back to her former glory.

That work has now completely changed the bronze statue's surface.

Affectionately known as Manta, the sculpture's greenish exterior has changed to a dark brown, with a slightly shiny, velvety surface.

Polina Semenova, a conservationist at Helsinki Art Museum HAM, said the sculpture now likely resembles its original appearance.

"The appearance is in line with the sculpture fashion of the 1800s and 1900s. At that time, statues were typically this chocolate brown colour," she explained.

For around a year, Havis Amanda has undergone conservation work, including laser cleaning and waxing with both tinted and clear beeswax.

"It's a little shiny to my eye, but that will even out as she's exposed to the elements," Semenova said, adding that it's now easier to see various details in the sculpture.

The plate beneath the female figure had multiple cracks that required welding. According to Semenova, this damage was likely the result of people climbing the statue during victory celebrations. Over the years, Havis Amanda has become a central feature of May Day celebrations and post-ice hockey game revelry.

This was Havis Amanda's first major facelift in roughly 100 years, as previous repairs and cleanings only targeted specific parts of the statue.

The Havis Amanda statue and the fountain in which she stands were designed by the artist Ville Vallgren and completed in 1908.

The maiden will be due for her next big refurbishment in about 50 years, according to Semenova.

The sculpture's conservation, including the casting work, cost approximately 90,000 euros.

The iconic statue is now set to return to Helsinki's Market Square after Midsummer on 26 June.

Repairs to the sculpture's fountain will, however, continue for several more weeks, which means the construction fences surrounding the attraction will remain in place until August, according to the city.

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