Historic Sites of Manitoba: Robert Burns Statue (Kennedy Street, Winnipeg)

This bronze statue atop a stone base, on the east grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, commemorates Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796). Funds were raised and the statue was produced by a committee of the Winnipeg Burns Club No. 197, including Alexander Jamieson and William Anderson Weir.

The statue was unveiled on 12 October 1936 at a ceremony attended by Lieutenant Governor William Johnston Tupper, Premier John Bracken, Winnipeg Mayor John Queen, committee chair John Young Reid, banker John McEachern, cleric William Gordon Maclean, lawyer Richard Deans Waugh, and lawyer Arthur Long Dysart, among others.

Robert Burns statue (August 2010) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.88525, W97.14516 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Legislative Building (450 Broadway, Winnipeg)

Memorable Manitobans: Alexander Jamieson (1868-1959)

Memorable Manitobans: William Anderson Weir (1859-1946)

Sources:

“City’s backstreet offer declined as Legislative site found for statue,” Winnipeg Free Press, 31 August 1936, page 1.

“Monument for Scotia’s bard,” Winnipeg Tribune, 26 September 1936, page 9.

“Winnipeg Scots defy cold to see Burns’ statue unveiled,” Winnipeg Tribune, 13 October 1936, page 10.

We thank Glen Toews for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 16 March 2025

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!