Oregon Capitol’s Gold Pioneer Statue Undergoes Restoration After 25 Years of Wear
Salem, OR — After 25 years, the iconic 23-foot tall "Gold Man," officially known as the Oregon Pioneer, is being regilded as work crews begin restoring the statue atop the Oregon Capitol Building. The restoration comes in response to extensive wear from weather elements and roosting birds, which have significantly damaged its 23-karat gold leaf coating.
Mike Sliwinski, a field superintendent from Hoffman Construction, highlighted the state of disrepair, noting that "the top of his head has no gold left" and that all horizontal surfaces, including the shoulders and ax handle, are severely worn. The project, costing $234,375, includes logistical planning, scaffolding, labor, and $9,110 dedicated to gold leaf. Although the Gold Man is covered with approximately 11.5 ounces of gold valued at around $38,000, this summer’s work will provide only a partial refresh.
Critics might wonder why the statue isn’t simply painted with gold-colored paint, but Sliwinski emphasized that the integrity of artist Ulric Ellerhusen’s original vision from 1938 must be preserved. The statue, which portrays a pioneer holding an ax, was shipped from the East Coast via the Panama Canal.
This is the fifth restoration for the Gold Man, following previous efforts in 1938, 1958, 1984, and 2000. Stacy Nalley, public outreach coordinator for the Capitol, noted the statue’s remarkable size, saying that even children can’t fully comprehend its scale until they are up close.
As the completion date approaches in late August, crews will also replace the terra cotta tile of the observation deck, which is set to reopen for tours in spring 2026.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
