Leif Erikson Monument, Bronze monument in Humboldt Park, Chicago, United States
The Leif Erikson Monument is a bronze and marble statue in Humboldt Park showing the Norse explorer holding a shield, standing on a granite base. The figure rises to about 2.9 meters and serves as a distinctive landmark visible throughout the park grounds.
The statue was created in 1901 by sculptor Sigvald Asbjørnsen at the commission of Chicago's Norwegian community. It became an important symbol marking the citywide recognition of Norwegians and their contributions to the area.
The monument expresses how Norwegian immigrants in Chicago wanted to honor their roots and keep their heritage visible in the city through public art. It stands as a marker of the community's identity and pride in their ancestry.
Access is free and the statue is available year-round since it sits on public parkland that is always open. Nearby pathways and seating areas make it easy to view the monument and spend time in the surroundings.
In 1950, the statue was moved about 75 meters from its original location, and the elderly sculptor Asbjørnsen attended the rededication ceremony. This event was unusual because the creator returned to witness the repositioning of his work nearly 50 years after its initial installation.
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