Historic Sites of Manitoba: Giant Viking Statue (Gimli, RM of Gimli)

A 4.6 metre (15 feet) fibreglass statue of a Viking in Gimli was created as a Canadian centennial project by the Gimli Chamber of Commerce. Designed by Gissur Eliasson of the University of Manitoba, it was constructed by sculptor George Barone at a cost of $15,000. It was unveiled in 1967 by then-President of Iceland Asgeir Asgeirsson. A new Viking Park around the statue was unveiled on 5 August 2017 in recognition of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba’s 125th anniversary and in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday. Around the pathways are stelae of various Icelandic persons and families from the area.

Viking statue at Gimli (2003) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Viking statue at Gimli (September 2018) Source: George Penner Viking statue at Gimli (June 2019) Source: Rose Kuzina Site Coordinates (lat/long): N50.62977, W96.98680 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Gissur Eliasson (1913-1980)

Memorable Manitobans: Giorgio “George” Barone (1916-1992)

Historical Tours in Manitoba: Historical Walking Tour of Gimli

Manitoba’s Viking Aesthetic: Two Cultural Artifacts in Gimli and the Connection to a Distant Past by Andrew McGillivray
Prairie History, Number 6, Fall 2021

Sources:

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough, Rose Kuzina, George Penner, and Tim Worth.

Page revised: 20 November 2021

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!