Couples staying at a temporary hotel suite in Helsinki partake in a ménage à trois with a historic statue that's positioned in the middle of the bed.

Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi created Hotel Manta – a single suite raised up and formed around a fountain and statue in the Finnish capital's waterfront market square.

The 1906 bronze statue of Havis Amanda by Finnish sculptor Ville Vallgren depicts a nude woman standing on seaweed, with four fish spouting water and surrounded by sea lions.

The 40-square-metre hotel room has been built so the bed encompasses the sculpture, which stands between the two pillows so her feet are positioned at the eye level of sleeping guests.

Constructed by local firm Stara, Hotel Manta is supported by unfinished glue-laminated timber beams that lift the black-painted room three metres to the required level.

Metal steps lead up to the suite, which includes an entrance and storage area, the main bedroom and an adjacent bathroom.

The interior is decorated with wallpaper specially designed by Nishi for the space, which contains bedside tables, a small desk and seating.

The bed is positioned in the centre of the room, with the lounge area at the foot looking out onto the marketplace through a large window.

At the entrance, a shipping container houses a small shop and ticketing booth.

Members of the public can visit the space between 11:30am and 5:30pm, while guests are able to reserve the room overnight.

Hotel Manta was created for the Helsinki Festival, which took place in August, and remains open to coincide with Helsinki Design Week that runs until 14 September.

The installation will remain in place until 12 October, when the structure will be dismantled and the sculpture and fountain will undergo inspection and maintenance.