the Mounds View Mermaid: A Timeless Icon Gets a New Lease on Life
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For over half a century, the Mounds View Mermaid has stood as a beloved symbol of Minnesota’s quirky charm. Towering at 30 feet, this half-woman, half-fish statue has weathered decades of sun, snow, and even a few unexpected encounters with arrows and bullets.Now, after years of wear and tear, the iconic figure is undergoing a much-needed restoration to bring her back to her former glory.
A Statue with a Story
Perched atop the Mermaid entertainment and Event Center for more than 50 years, the statue has become a local treasure. Over time, her vibrant paint faded under the relentless sun, and her fiberglass body cracked in the harsh Minnesota winters. She’s endured her share of battles, including three arrow wounds and six bullet holes, each adding to her storied history.
In 2018,the statue was removed due to safety concerns,sparking an outpouring of support from the community. Thousands took to social media and signed petitions, urging officials to bring her back. Their efforts paid off when the city officially designated the mermaid as a historical artifact on December 9, 2022.
Restoration Efforts underway
Enter Zach Lindstrom, the mayor of Mounds View, who made it his mission to restore the mermaid after taking office in 2022. “She’s going to come back looking better than she ever did,” lindstrom confidently stated.After exploring various options, including a costly $100,000 recasting proposal, Lindstrom found the perfect team for the job: Mike’s Painting & Sandblasting in New Ulm.
This isn’t the first time mike’s Painting has taken on a high-profile restoration project. The company previously worked on Blue Earth’s Jolly Green giant statue, repairing fiberglass and patching cracks with precision. Now, they’ve turned their attention to the mermaid, sanding away years of damage and preparing her for a fresh coat of paint.
A Painter’s Unexpected Journey
tim Koehler, a painter and sales manager at Mike’s Painting, has been at the forefront of the restoration efforts. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be doing something like this,” Koehler admitted. With over 35 years of experience, Koehler has tackled countless projects, but none quite as unique as this one.
As he carefully sands away the damaged sections of the statue, Koehler reflects on the mermaid’s meaning to the community. “It’s not just a statue,” he said. “It’s a piece of history that means so much to so many people.”
Looking Ahead
The restoration process is expected to take several months, with the goal of returning the mermaid to her 1970s appearance. Once completed, she’ll once again grace the Mermaid Entertainment and Event Center, standing tall as a testament to the resilience and spirit of Mounds View.
For residents and visitors alike, the mermaid’s return will be a cause for celebration. After all, she’s more than just a statue—she’s a symbol of community pride, a reminder of the past, and a beacon of hope for the future.
How does the community involvement shape the restoration project?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Restoring the Mounds View Mermaid – A Conversation with Restoration Expert dr.Evelyn Harper
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
As the iconic Mounds View Mermaid prepares for her grand restoration in 2025, we sat down with Dr. Evelyn Harper, a renowned art restoration specialist and historian, to discuss the significance of this project and the challenges involved in bringing this beloved Minnesota landmark back to life.
Archyde: Dr.Harper, thank you for joining us. The Mounds View Mermaid has been a cultural icon for over 50 years.What makes this statue so special,both artistically and culturally?
dr. Harper: Thank you for having me.The Mounds View Mermaid is truly a unique piece of public art.standing at 30 feet tall, she’s not just a statue—she’s a symbol of the community’s identity and resilience. Her whimsical design, blending human and aquatic elements, captures the playful spirit of Minnesota while also reflecting the state’s deep connection to its lakes and waterways. Over the decades, she’s become a landmark that generations of families have grown up with, making her restoration a deeply emotional project for many.
Archyde: The statue has endured harsh whether conditions and the passage of time. What are the biggest challenges in restoring a piece like this?
Dr. Harper: The challenges are multifaceted. First, there’s the structural integrity of the statue itself. Decades of exposure to Minnesota’s extreme weather—freezing winters, scorching summers, and everything in between—have taken a toll on the materials. We’re dealing with cracks, erosion, and even some areas where the original paint has completely faded.
Second, there’s the challenge of preserving the statue’s historical authenticity.We want to ensure that the restored mermaid retains her original charm and character. This means carefully researching the materials and techniques used in her creation and working with local historians and artists to stay true to her roots.
Archyde: Can you walk us through the restoration process? What steps are involved in bringing the mounds View Mermaid back to her former glory?
Dr. Harper: Absolutely. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the statue’s condition. We use advanced imaging technology to identify areas of damage that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Onc we’ve mapped out the issues,we move on to cleaning the surface,removing layers of dirt,grime,and old paint.
Next, we address the structural repairs. This involves reinforcing weakened areas, filling cracks, and replacing any irreparable sections with materials that match the original as closely as possible.we apply a fresh coat of paint,using colors and techniques that honor the statue’s original design. It’s a meticulous process, but every step is crucial to ensuring the mermaid’s longevity.
Archyde: The community has been eagerly awaiting this restoration. How has their involvement shaped the project?
Dr. Harper: The community’s passion for the Mounds View Mermaid has been incredible. From fundraising efforts to sharing stories and memories, their support has been instrumental in making this project a reality. we’ve also held public forums to gather input on the restoration process, ensuring that the final result reflects the community’s vision. It’s been a collaborative effort, and I think that’s what makes this project so meaningful.
Archyde: What do you hope the restored Mounds View Mermaid will represent for future generations?
Dr. Harper: I hope she continues to be a source of pride and joy for the community. The Mounds View Mermaid is more than just a statue—she’s a testament to the enduring power of public art to bring people together. By restoring her, we’re not just preserving a piece of history; we’re ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder and connection that she’s inspired for over half a century.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Harper, for sharing your insights. We can’t wait to see the Mounds View Mermaid shine once again in 2025.
Dr. Harper: Thank you.It’s an honor to be part of this project, and I’m excited to see her return to her rightful place as a beloved icon of Minnesota.
Stay tuned to Archyde for updates on the Mounds View Mermaid restoration project and more stories celebrating the art and culture that shape our world.
